Northern Ireland news

Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael O'Neill has provoked a fierce backlash from Championship relegation rivals. Balancing his dual roles, the 56-year-old is accused of a major conflict of interest after heavily utilising key players from clubs battling Blackburn for survival in a 1-1 friendly draw, while resting his own prospect until the 80th minute.

Former Northern Ireland international Chris Brunt has sensationally hit out at UEFA over the scheduling of what he describes as a "pointless" friendly against Wales. Both nations saw their World Cup dreams extinguished during the play-off semi-finals, yet they are still required to travel to Cardiff for a fixture that has no bearing on tournament qualification.

The first step towards World Cup qualification has been taken. Nevertheless, the pressure on the Italian national team is immense.

Italy moved within one match of ending their long World Cup absence with a composed 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in their playoff semifinal, as Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean proved decisive. For a side still carrying the weight of missing the last two tournaments, this was less about flair and more about control. And, for long stretches, Italy had both.

The Azzurri’s celebrations were broadcast by Rai.

The opposing manager’s comments.