Why did Italy choose Bergamo to play against Northern Ireland in the World Cup playoff?
Italy have passed on Rome, Milan and Naples for a smaller Bergamo stadium, with Rino Gattuso banking on atmosphere to avoid World Cup qualification failure.
San Siro in Milan. Rome’s Stadio Olimpico. Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples. Italy boasts some of the most iconic and atmospheric stadiums in European soccer, yet the national team has chosen to play its crucial World Cup 2026 playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland at Bergamo’s New Balance Arena, the home of Atalanta, which has a capacity of fewer than 25,000.
It may feel like an odd decision for a huge game for the Azzurri, who are desperate to end what was once an unthinkable World Cup drought. Italy has not played a match in the tournament since June 24, 2014, missing out on qualification for the 2018 and 2022 editions.
There is, though, some method in the apparent madness.
The reason crucial World Cup 2026 clash is in Bergamo
Soccer fans in Bergamo have a strong recent track record of backing their team even when things are not going according to plan.
In Atalanta’s recent Champions League home game against Bayern Munich, which the Germans won 6-1, the Italian side were still cheered on and clapped off the field at full time despite the result.
Additionally, in their World Cup 2026 qualification group, Italy faced Estonia in Bergamo last September. Expected to win comfortably against a nation ranked 128th in the world, the hosts went in goalless at halftime but were applauded by fans regardless. Italy went on to score five goals in the second half, and the good vibes from the stands did not go unnoticed by head coach Rino Gattuso.
Gattuso explains Bergamo choice
“I chose the stadium,” Gattuso explained once the venue was decided. “I believe that when you go to a stadium like San Siro, there are Inter and Milan fans, and they might start booing after a few wrong passes.
“Playing in a smaller stadium will likely give us a better atmosphere. They did so in my first game as Italy’s coach, despite finishing the first half with a 0-0 draw.
“We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere and that we have not messed things up.”
Northern Ireland welcome Bergamo setting
But Gattuso is not the only one pleased with the choice. Northern Ireland counterpart Michael O’Neill is also content his team will avoid a potentially more hostile trip to Milan, Rome or Naples.
“I think we’ll feel very at home in Bergamo and we won’t be intimidated by the atmosphere at all,” O’Neill told the BBC, noting that many of his players feature in similar-sized stadiums in England’s second and third tiers.
“Obviously the Italians and Gennaro Gattuso have their reasons for going there as well, but we’re happy with the choice of venue. If I’m honest, I feel it suits us.”
Who could Italy play in the playoff final?
The winner of Thursday’s game, which kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 26, will travel to either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for the playoff final and a place at World Cup 2026.
The playoff winner will join Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B at the finals.
Gattuso and his team will desperately hope they do not “mess things up” as Italy aim to avoid a third straight World Cup absence.
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