Italy missed out on automatic qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar four months on from their Euro 2020 triumph after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Northern Ireland on Monday.

The Azzurri went into their final Group C qualification clash knowing they needed to win by enough goals to stay ahead of Switzerland to claim a place at next year’s finals in Qatar.

With the Swiss earning a 4-0 victory over Bulgaria in Lucerne, only a win by a three-goal margin would have been enough for Italy but they could not find a way past a determined Irish side and had to settle for a March playoff spot.

The playoffs do not hold fond memories for Italy, who failed to make the 2018 World Cup after losing to Sweden over two legs. Only three playoff teams out of 12 qualify for the finals.

“We can’t do anything about it now, we have this game in March and will try to give our best,” Italy coach Roberto Mancini said.

Northern Ireland had not conceded a goal at home in their previous four qualifiers and set up to frustrate the Italians, despite being unable to qualify for the finals themselves. The visitors created little in the opening period, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s effort from a tight angle, which was well saved by Bailey Peacock-Farrell, as close as they came.

After the break, the hosts’ George Saville missed a great opportunity to make Italy’s task all the more difficult, before Federico Chiesa drilled just wide down the other end.

Okafor’s first

Switzerland striker Noah Okafor scored his first international goal as they brushed aside Bulgaria 4-0. Ruben Vargas, Cedric Itten and Remo Freuler were also on target for the hosts as they moved to 18 points from eight matches.

Switzerland qualified for a fifth successive World Cup in some style, having also hit the post twice and had two goals ruled out for offside as they cut through the Bulgarian defence with ease.

It was a special night for Swiss captain Xherdan Shaqiri, who marked his 100th appearance with an exclent performance, getting the ball rolling by setting up the home side’s opener.

Scotland will be seeded, like Italy, in the playoffs after a 2-0 victory over Group F winner Denmark, whose perfect record in qualifying came to an end. Poland suffered a surprising 2-1 home defeat by Hungary, as captain Robert Lewandowski was rested, and will feature in the playoffs as Group I runners-up.