Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington hailed the strength of his side’s Italian opponents after slumping to a comprehensive 3-0 loss in Pisa last night.

Italy 3 Northern Ireland 0

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington handed out four new caps in his starting XI with Chris Casement, Colin Coates, Corry Evans and Stephen Carter all lining up for the first time in a largely inexperienced team to face Italy.