Italy slip into World Cup qualifying play-offs after draw at brilliant Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland held Italy to a goalless stalemate (Liam McBurney/PA)

European champions Italy must go into the World Cup qualifying play-offs after being held to a goalless draw by brilliant Northern Ireland at Windsor Park.

In the best performance of the Ian Baraclough era, Northern Ireland frustrated their illustrious visitors for 90 minutes – with Conor Washington unable to take a last-minute chance to snatch a famous victory.