World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon says play-off semi-final opponents Northern Ireland have been the "only focus" for Italy, and not the wider prize of a spot at the finals this summer. Buffon, who is Italy's technical delegate, said it was "an important moment" and the full focus had to be on Thursday's semi-final in Bergamo. "We shouldn't have any doubt, our focus is only on Northern Ireland and the semi-final," Buffon told BBC Sport. "But for the last four months, our only focus has been on Northern Ireland, because that's the way it is. "Northern Ireland are the first obstacle, and they are a team that deserves our respect."

Source: BBC March 25, 2026 19:40 UTC