Fulham’s Aaron Hughes believes Northern Ireland are capable of recording another famous win at Windsor Park when they welcome Italy (8/13 Italy – 90 minutes) in Belfast on Friday.
Nigel Worthington’s side got their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign off to a flying start with a 1-0 victory in Slovenia and will be looking to make it two out of two when they face the Azzurri.
Northern Ireland have been placed in a tough group and will have to get the better of Italy, Serbia, Estonia, Slovenia and the Faroe Islands if they are to reach their first major competition since the 1982 World Cup.
Their last qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup ended in failure as they finished fourth of six, seven points behind eventual group winners Slovakia.
While it is unlikely Northern Ireland (8/1 to qualify for Euro 2012) will do any better in their bid to reach Ukraine and Poland in two years’ time they will hope for some more famous nights at Windsor Park along the way.
In the past Northern Ireland have caused some big upsets at their famous old ground, beating Spain and England recently.
Despite Italy’s recent fall from grace a victory over the four-time world champions would represent a massive achievement for Worthington’s men.
Italy currently top Group C having won their first two matches against Estonia and the Faroe Islands.
However, it will arguably be their biggest test when they face Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Friday night.
Hughes believes he and his compatriots have every chance of causing an upset against Italy, although the Fulham defender says they can’t underestimate the Azzurri despite their recent performances.
“At home over the last few years we’ve had some really good results,” Hughes told Fulham’s official website.
“The England and Spain games will be talked about for years and we beat a lot of good teams that were ranked higher than us at home.
“Our home form is strong and we should go into the game with plenty of confidence, but it would be extremely dangerous to go into the match thinking Italy aren’t what they used to be because the team is full of quality players.”
Northern Ireland (16/1 Group C outright) follow Friday’s game against Italy (4/9) with a trip to Toftir to face Faroe Islands (5000/1) four days later.
Worthington will have to do with Pat McCourt for both matches as the Celtic winger is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Rangers’ Andrew Little has been called up instead of Adam Barton after he withdrew while Niall McGinn is back after missing the game with Slovenia.
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