Two second half goals undid all the good work but Northern Ireland were missing a number of key players
Michael O’Neill believes his young Northern Ireland side will only be better for the experience after a 2-0 defeat to Italy in their World Cup semi-final play-off in Bergamo.
O’Neill had stated that the squad is further on in their development than he’d expected at this stage and there was certainly no shame in losing to an Azzurri side that they kept at bay in a tense first half at the New Balance Arena.
“I couldn’t ask any more from the players, I thought our game plan in the first half was excellent,” said the 56-year-old, who was without the likes of Conor Bradley and Daniel Ballard for the crunch game..
“We limited Italy to very few chances in the first half.
“Ultimately in the second half we caused our own problems.
“We had a couple of nervous moments before the first goal. We were out of shape, it’s not a great header and it lands to the wrong man in Sandro Tonali, who strikes a great ball.
“Once you’re behind in the game it’s difficult.
“But I thought our attitude throughout was terrific.
“It’s a very young team, I think the average age is 22 years of age, so it is incredibly positive for us to come here, against a team like Italy, and take them to the 90th minute before they feel they’re safe.
“We only had one player out there over the age of 24 and that says a lot.
“We showed great character. I thought all the younger players were terrific in the game.
“Regardless of the result, we took a step forward in terms of the progress of the team.
“It’s very difficult to come away here to Italy, especially with the players we had missing.
“It feels raw now, but the team has developed.”
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