Baraclough savours display as NI hold Italy
Ian Baraclough could not have asked any more from his Northern Ireland players as they held European champions Italy to a goalless draw on a memorable Monday night at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland pushed Roberto Mancini’s side into the World Cup qualifying play-offs with the best performance of Baraclough’s tenure to date, and had a glorious late chance to win it through Conor Washington.
That was not to be, but Northern Ireland can be proud of a superb defensive display – likened to a “typical Italian masterclass” by Mancini’s assistant Gianluca Vialli – which means they end their qualifying campaign having not conceded a goal in Belfast.
“For the organisation, for putting a plan together and executing it, I thought it was spot on,” Baraclough said. “We talked about having to defend for long periods to keep ourselves in the game, certainly not trying to sit deep so we were constantly clearing it and chasing it.
“We had to be concentrated at all times and I think everyone to a man did that. We had the best chance of the game to go on and win which was something we spoke about – as the game wore on, they would take chances and there would be openings. Could we take it?”
Unfortunately, Washington could not. The Charlton striker, on as a sub, beat Gianluigi Donnarumma to the ball as the Paris St Germain goalkeeper rushed out of his area.
But, having cut inside on to his weaker left foot seeking a better angle, Washington could not get the right connection and saw Leonardo Bonucci clear off the line.