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Italy vs North Macedonia: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup play-off

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ITALY could be about to go from heroes to zeroes in the space of less than a year.

The Azzurri won the European Championship against England at Wembley last July, but now face missing out on the World Cup.

Jorginho missed penalties at home and away to group winners SwitzerlandCredit: Getty
North Macedonia will look to upset the odds and qualify for their second successive major tournamentCredit: Getty

A goalless draw against Northern Ireland in Belfast saw the Italians fail to make it to Qatar automatically, despite going through the entire qualifying campaign unbeaten.

Switzerland were the beneficiaries of that result as they finished top of the group, condemning the Italians to a play-off at home to North Macedonia.

The Balkan nation have come on leaps and bounds as a football power, qualifying for their first ever tournament when they reached Euro 2020.

And the Italians will be well aware that the North Macedonians beat Germany away in qualifying, so they can’t expect this one to be a formality.

The winners of this semi-final will visit Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal or Turkey in the World Cup play-off final.

What time does Italy vs North Macedonia kick off?

  • Italy take on North Macedonia on Thursday, March 24.
  • The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time – 8.45pm in Italy and North Macedonia.
  • It takes place at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo.
  • The sides last met in 2017 when an equaliser from Aleksandr Trajkovski saw North Macedonia earn a surprise 1-1 draw in World Cup 2018 qualifying in Turin. Italy would go on to miss out on the World Cup.

What TV channel is Italy vs North Macedonia on and can I live stream it?

  • Italy vs North Macedonia is live on Sky Sports Arena.
  • Coverage commences at 7.40pm – five minutes before kick-off.
  • To stream the game live, head to Sky Go or Now TV.

Team news

Brazil-born duo Luiz Felipe and Joao Pedro have been called up to the Italy squad for this play-off.

However, there’s no emotional return for Mario Balotelli, who Roberto Mancini had recalled to his previous squad.

Centre-back Alessio Romagnoli has also failed to make the cut.

Italy are also without the star of the Euro 2020 final, Federico Chiesa, who missed out with a knee injury.

Defender Leonardo Spinazzola has been out since the European Championship with a ruptured achilles tendon and will play no part in this one.

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Latest odds

To win in 90 minutes

Italy 1/5

Draw 11/2

North Macedonia 13/1

To qualify

Italy 1/16

North Macedonia 15/2

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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