Italy coach Roberto Mancini says they will need a cutting edge when facing Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on Monday night.
The Azzurri lead Switzerland only on goal difference, +11 to +9, and only the group winners go directly into the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“We mustn't think negative thoughts," said Mancini in his press conference. “We know it's an important match, we'll go there aiming to win and know that Northern Ireland are difficult to beat here.
“If we do miss out, then we've got the opportunity of a make-up exam in March, but we want to go through tomorrow and that is what we must focus on.
"Nobody believed in us when we started this journey three years ago and we know there have been difficult moments along the way. It's a delicate match tomorrow, but the lads mustn't forget everything they have achieved already.
“They mustn't feel so much anxiety, they have to play with freedom and concentrate on what needs to be done."
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