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Zola joins BBC NI for Northern Ireland’s biggest game in decades

  • Writer: Love Ballymena
    Love Ballymena
  • 10 minutes ago
  • 2 min read
Presenter Stephen Watson, left, with Italy and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola who is joining the BBC Sport NI team for coverage of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy.

Presenter Stephen Watson, left, with Italy and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola who is joining the BBC Sport NI team for coverage of Northern Ireland’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy.


Northern Ireland’s World Cup dream takes centre stage this week — and one of football’s most iconic names will be there to witness it.


Italian legend Gianfranco Zola is set to join BBC Sport NI’s live coverage as Michael O’Neill’s side face Italy in a crucial World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday night (26 March).



With a place in the finals within reach for the first time in 40 years, the high-stakes clash promises drama, tension, and a moment of history for Northern Ireland fans.


Star-studded punditry team


Zola will form part of an experienced analysis panel featuring former Northern Ireland internationals Stuart Dallas and Stephen Craigan, alongside 1982 World Cup hero Gerry Armstrong.



Fronting the coverage will be presenter Stephen Watson, bringing viewers all the build-up, analysis and reaction as Northern Ireland attempt to overcome one of international football’s most decorated sides.


Italy, four-time World Cup winners, stand between O’Neill’s men and a shot at returning to the global stage — setting up a clash rich in history and expectation.


How to watch and listen


Fans across Northern Ireland won’t miss a moment, with extensive live coverage available across multiple platforms.



Watch live from 7pm (kick-off 7.45pm):


  • BBC iPlayer

  • BBC One Northern Ireland

  • BBC Three

  • BBC Sport website


Listen live from 7.30pm:


  • BBC Sounds

  • BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle

  • BBC Sport website



Special preview from Bergamo


Ahead of the game, supporters can soak up the atmosphere with a dedicated preview show broadcast from Bergamo on Wednesday evening.


Available from 7pm on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport NI website, the programme will see Stephen Watson joined by pundits and analysts to break down the key talking points — while also capturing the mood among travelling Northern Ireland fans in Italy.


A moment decades in the making


Thursday night’s fixture represents more than just a semi-final — it’s a rare opportunity to rewrite history.



Northern Ireland have not reached a World Cup finals since their memorable 1986 appearance, and victory over Italy would move them one step closer to ending that long wait.


Against one of football’s most formidable nations, the challenge is immense — but so too is the potential reward.



At a glance


  • Northern Ireland face Italy in a World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, March 26


  • Kick-off is at 7.45pm, with coverage starting from 7pm


  • Gianfranco Zola joins BBC Sport NI’s punditry team


  • Analysis also includes Stuart Dallas, Stephen Craigan and Gerry Armstrong


  • Stephen Watson will present the live coverage


  • Match available on BBC iPlayer, BBC One NI, BBC Three and online


  • Live radio commentary begins at 7.30pm on BBC Sounds and Radio Ulster/Foyle


  • A preview show from Bergamo airs Wednesday evening at 7pm


  • Northern Ireland are aiming to reach their first World Cup finals in 40 years


  • Italy are four-time World Cup winners and the home side



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