Northern Ireland assume brilliant position
What a difference four years makes! In September 2006, Italy were recently crowned world champions and Northern Ireland lost their first Euro 2008 qualifier 3-0 at home to Iceland.
Last night, Northern Ireland were a little disappointed not to have taken all three points after their goalless draw with the Azzurri at Windsor Park, while visiting boss Cesare Prandelli declared himself "happy" that his side left "a tough arena" with a point.
Nigel Worthington's men have had a few false dawns in recent years but this is by far their most convincing start to a qualifying campaign yet this century as they look to reach the European Championship for the first time.
They've kept successive clean sheets against nations that attended this summer's World Cup, having won their opening Group C game in Slovenia, and their hopes of progress are boosted by Serbia's woeful form - they lost 3-1 at home to Estonia yesterday.
Northern Ireland are in to [6.0] to top the group, although with Italy (still [1.22] favourites) likely to improve as their new-look squad grows more accustomed to playing with one another, a play-off push remains a more realistic target, with [3.15] offered on them qualifying.
The midweek fixtures fall kindly for the overachievers, as while they visit minnows the Faroe Islands, who have conceded 13 in their last three outings, in a match they are [1.37] to win, the nations considered their main rivals for second, Serbia and Slovenia, will be tested by trips to Italy and surprisingly strong Estonia.
Can they take advantage of their best opportunity in years? Have your say below...
Published: 9 Oct 2010
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