For the former Italy and Inter defender, the sense that they might not make it was palpable against Northern Ireland. Now it’s Bosnia, who are beatable

Italy are World Cup royalty. Only five-time winners Brazil have been crowned champions on more occasions than the Azzurri (four). And yet it's now 20 years since Italy last lifted the trophy. Worse still, they've failed to qualify for the past two tournaments, meaning there's an entire generation that have never seen their country even play in a World Cup.

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing a summer move for Sandro Tonali as they look to overhaul their engine room, but they must ready to go head-to-head with Manchester City in a high-stakes pursuit of the Newcastle United midfielder. The Italy international has emerged as a top priority for the Premier League's elite as the summer window approaches.

Manchester City are preparing a massive £190 million overhaul of their midfield as Pep Guardiola looks to replace departing icons, with Sandro Tonali and Elliot Anderson having been identified as the primary targets to lead a new era at the Etihad Stadium.

World Cup winner Marco Materazzi has tipped Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie to become the long-term successor to Luke Shaw at Manchester United. While the Italian legend is enthusiastic about Udogie’s potential at Old Trafford, he has simultaneously warned Sandro Tonali against a move to the Theatre of Dreams. Materazzi believes the midfielder owes a debt of loyalty to Newcastle following their unwavering support during his betting ban.