Northern Ireland will travel to Italy for a World Cup qualification play-off semi-final next March

Sunderland duo Dan Ballard and Trai Hume will come up against Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali in their bid to secure a spot at next summer’s World Cup with Northern Ireland.

The Black Cats pair both played pivotal roles in Michael O’Neill’s men sealing a play-off place in their qualifying group, and have now learnt their fate for that resulting fixture following Thursday’s draw.

Northern Ireland will square up against Italy - who count Magpies star Tonali amongst their ranks - travelling for an away tie on Thursday, March 26th. The finals will take place five days later on Tuesday, March 31st, with O’Neill’s side facing the possibility of an all-British showdown against Wales, who have been drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their respective semi.

The full draw for the play-off semi-finals is as follows:

Italy v Northern Ireland
Poland v Albania
Slovakia v Kosovo
Czech Republic v Republic of Ireland
Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ukraine v Sweden
Turkey v Romania
Denmark v North Macedonia

What has been said about Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualification dream after Italy draw?

Speaking to BBC Sport, senior journalist Jonathan Bradley said: “Northern Ireland have played Italy 11 times previously, winning just once against the Azzurri and that came all the way back in 1958.

“Those looking for a good omen will note, however, the famous result helped the side qualify for that summer's World Cup in Sweden. Could history repeat itself? Well, going off Fifa rankings that's the hardest draw Northern Ireland could have faced. Given that even if they win in Italy, they'll be on the road again in a potential final against either Wales or Bosnia, things couldn't be much tougher for Michael O'Neill's side.”

The Echo has launched a new WhatsApp SAFC Channel to bring the latest news, analysis and team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join our SAFC WhatsApp channel.

Speaking ahead of Northern Ireland’s qualification double-header against Slovakia and Luxembourg this international break, Sunderland defender Ballard told online outlet GiveMeSport: “It's been a complete overhaul of the squad, really. A lot of those boys have retired now, and they had fantastic careers. So it's down to us now to pick up where they left off. We have had a few tough years. But now we're in a spot to go and challenge and hopefully qualify for a tournament.

“We had a few years where we were transitioning, and there's a lot of new players. We stuck together for a few years and the results have started to turn. And a lot of the lads individually are growing and doing well in their club careers.

“So we're growing as a team and we're getting a lot more familiar with each other, and you can probably see that with the performances and the results. We're getting more comfortable together. We're learning together and feel like we've got a real strong base now.”

Your next Sunderland read: Sunderland sensation Robin Roefs sparks Dutch national team debate after major Brighton claim