Northern Eire are 69th within the Fifa world rankings, 57 locations under Italy and 27 adrift of Wales, however two spots above Bosnia.

Michael O’Neill’s facet completed third behind Germany and Slovakia within the World Cup qualifying group however secured their play-off place because of their Nations League success.

Italy, Wales and Bosnia all completed second of their teams, behind Norway, Belgium and Austria respectively.

Northern Eire want to qualify for his or her first main event since Euro 2016, once they had been knocked out within the second spherical by a Wales facet who went on to succeed in the semi-finals underneath Chris Coleman.

O’Neill was within the midst of his first, nine-year spell in command of Northern Eire on the time and is now three years into his second stint as his nation’s supervisor.

“Down the years they’ve simply had one thing and so they know what they’re. They have an excellent supervisor who I actually like,” Bellamy added.

“I used to be fortunate sufficient to spend a little bit of time with him as nicely, and I beloved him. No surprise his gamers do nicely. They will not be enjoying at their residence floor [against Italy], however I simply really feel they’re going to be snug in any scenario you throw them into.

“There will likely be stress approaching Italy as a result of they have not certified for 2 World Cups. If I used to be Italy going into that sport, with everybody anticipating you to win, I am telling you I would be edgy. I would not be snug with it.

“Italy is among the biggest nations in soccer and that is loads of accountability to shoulder. To need to play a crew like Northern Eire, I’d simply be pondering let’s get by this and see what occurs within the different sport.”