Baraclough fancies some cold comfort
IAN BARACLOUGH believes Northern Ireland can catch Italy cold tomorrow in their opening World Cup qualifier in Parma.
Baraclough hopes Roberto Mancini’s side will be below their best because they have not played since November.
And he feels his players will be boosted because the Azzurri must play without their fans.
“Rather than meeting them mid-campaign when they’ve got up a head of steam, we may just catch them cold,” said Baraclough.
“For us to go to an empty stadium, Parma, and play there hopefully gives us an extra chance.
We’ve got to be on top of our game, we’re under no illusions about that.
“We’ve got to be playing to our max and hopefully Italy are a bit rusty.
“We have no fear in going there, we relish the chance.
“I’ve looked at previous campaigns Italy have played in and barring last year’s European
Championships where they got a 10 out of 10, they’ve always maybe slipped a couple of points against teams they are expected to beat.
“I’m hoping we’re that team this time around.”
Baraclough insists his players are upbeat, even though they have yet to win any of his first eight games in charge in normal time. “I’ve spoken to the lads and there’s a real hunger, desire and excitement, there’s a freshness there,” he said.
“Everyone wants to get to the World Cup. It’s the pinnacle, isn’t it? We’ve not done it since 1986, so we want to be the next group of people that the nation is talking about for years to come.”