World Cup playoff draw: Wales face Bosnia, Northern Ireland head to Italy, Ireland go to Prague

Italy's national football team has a chance to qualify for the World Cup through UEFA qualifying playoffs scheduled for March. Four European teams will secure their spots in the tournament, and Italy must navigate through crucial matches to achieve this goal.

The draw for the World Cup qualification play-offs has been completed, revealing the opponents for Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland will face Italy, while Wales and the Republic of Ireland are set to discover their matchups in the upcoming play-offs.

Harri Deaves, a former roofer, is set to make his debut for Wales against the All Blacks. The 24-year-old Ospreys flanker has transitioned from club rugby to the international stage, marking a significant milestone in his career. The Welsh team will feature five changes from the side that narrowly defeated Japan 24-23 in their previous match.

Naomi Girma has been named to the US women's national team roster for upcoming friendlies against Italy on November 28 and December 1. The defender returns after recovering from a calf injury that sidelined her since the start of the season with Chelsea. Girma recently played in Chelsea's Champions League match against St Pölten and participated in a draw with Liverpool, marking her first involvement with the US team since July 2.

Wales is preparing for the World Cup play-off draw, with former striker Rob Earnshaw expressing excitement about the possibility of facing the Republic of Ireland. Earnshaw described such a matchup as 'incredible', highlighting the competitive spirit and anticipation surrounding the upcoming matches.

Italy has qualified for the 2026 World Cup playoffs, but there is growing anxiety about potentially missing out on the tournament again. The playoff format remains unchanged, with four separate matches determining which teams will secure their places in the World Cup. Italy's recent performances have raised concerns among fans and analysts alike.

Italy secured their place in the Elite Round of the European Under-19 Championship with a narrow 1-0 victory over Poland. The win was crucial as Italy needed to finish among the top two teams in their group to advance. This victory not only highlights Italy's strong performance in the tournament but also underscores their potential as a competitive force in youth football on the European stage.

Italy faced a challenging World Cup qualifier against Norway, needing to win by nine goals to secure top position in Group I. Despite their efforts, Italy suffered a significant defeat, losing 4-1. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso highlighted the team's 'fear and fragility' in the aftermath of the match, indicating that the chances for automatic qualification were slim even before the game began. This loss raises concerns about Italy's performance and future in international football.