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Michael O'Neill Eyes New Venue for Italy Play-Off

2/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Michael O'Neill, manager of the Northern Ireland national team, visited the New Balance Arena in Bergamo in December to assess suitability.
He later welcomed the World Cup play-off against Italy in Bergamo.
The New Balance Arena in Bergamo has a capacity of nearly 25,000.
The play-off is scheduled for March 26, and the winner will face Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a finals berth alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.

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Story summary

Michael O'Neill, manager of the Northern Ireland national team, visited the New Balance Arena in Bergamo in December to assess suitability.
He later welcomed the World Cup play-off against Italy in Bergamo.
The New Balance Arena in Bergamo has a capacity of nearly 25,000.
The play-off is scheduled for March 26, and the winner will face Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina for a finals berth alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar.