With Alberto Gilardino and Amauri injured, Marco Borriello has been given the nod ahead of Giampaolo Pazzini to pick up his sixth cap for the Italians.

Pirlo to Mauri into Cassano. He tries to get Criscito in behind Brunt but he does really well and it's a goal kick.

Italy are beginning to look very good on the ball. N.Ireland are starting to chase shadows.

Group C latest:

N.Ireland have a bit of possession in midfield. But Italy get it back and Pirlo picks out Mauri. He's fouled by Brunt. Pirlo with the free-kick from 40 yards...he shoots!!! and Taylor is right behind it.

Boriello shoots again from the angle this time, 25 yards out and it bobbles wide of the far post.

Boriello loops a left-footed effort wide from 20 yards. Taylor has no problems.

Italy get the second half underway from left to right...

No changes for either side at the break despite Pirlo wearing number 21 to confuse us all.

It's my pleasure MikeyB. It wasn't my intention to offend. He's to a cracking second half at Windsor Park...here come the teams...

That's your lot for the half as the ref blows for half-time.

Pirlo releases Cassano in the box. He spins and finds De Rossi on the edge of the box but his shot is cleared. N.Ireland have to survive to the break.

Not long to the break and N.Ireland are doing OK but Italy are well on top and will only need a chance to break N.Irish hearts.

De Rossi on the ball but is fouled by Davis. The ball forward is cleared.

...which is cleared. Another N.Ireland throw on the left. But Davis loses it and Italy have a throw in their right back position.

N.Ireland have a free-kick on the right near to the penalty area. McCann takes. It reaches Craigan who tries to cross and De Rossi blocks for a corner.

Group C latest:

Mauri gets down the left and picks out Cassano who bounces off a couple of challanges. Criscito crosses from the left and Mauri gets on the end of it and heads straight at Taylor from 8 yards out.

Apologies to Portsyouth. I know the country is Northern Ireland but if I type that out every time we'll be here all night. You'll have to forgive me and make do with a shorter version but no less passion. Hope that's OK.

SAVE BY TAYLOR!! Italy launch Boriello forward and he gets beyond Hughes. He shoots!! Taylor saves to his left from 15 yards. It falls to Cassano 18 yards out and he curls it wide of the left-hand post. What a couple of minutes.

HEALY MUST SCORE!!! Brunt swings over a wonderful cross and Healy is all alone six yards out at the far post and heads wide!!! What a chance!! He should've scored.

McAuley loses out to Cassano down by the corner flag but somehow the throw goes to Ireland. The ref and his mates are having a collective shocker. If they decide tonight's match it'll be a huge shame.