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Italy coach Roberto Mancini said on Sunday that Italy must not worry about affecting Northern Ireland in the 1-1 World Cup qualifier with Switzerland on Friday, but it can be expected that the hosts will make life difficult.
Italy ranked first in Group C with 15 points in seven games, ahead of Switzerland’s goal difference. The winner of the group will enter the final in Qatar next year.
Mancini’s team will visit Northern Ireland in the final game on Monday, while the Swiss team will host fourth-ranked Bulgaria.
“We are a little too anxious about Switzerland,” Mancini told reporters. “The pressure in Northern Ireland will be greater, but it is important that we avoid the same level of anxiety.
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“It’s not easy because Northern Ireland has almost nothing on their own turf. We have to play fast and keep the ball under our feet. This is what we have been doing for three years.
“There have been some difficult moments during this journey, and we are not used to it. But the players must not forget everything we have achieved so far.”
Mancini suggested that AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali could play an important role in the game, and Inter Milan’s Niccolo Varela is also in contention, despite local media reports that he is playing against Switzerland. It’s not fully adapted to it.
“Tonali has made great progress and can start. Barrera has recovered and he is now in better condition than he did against Switzerland,” Mancini said.
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