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There's a simple way to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland for *FREE*

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Northern Ireland could pull off the biggest shock of the World Cup play-offs

Mateo Retegui of Italy celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy.
(Image credit: Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
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Italy take on Northern Ireland this Thursday in a crucial World Cup play-off qualifying semi-final with free streaming available on BBC iPlayer (U.K.).

Kick-off is at 3:45 p.m. ET / 7:45 p.m. GMT / 6:45 a.m. AEDT (Friday).

Italy vs Northern Ireland: Free Stream

Italy would have believed their return to the World Cup was all but assured after being drawn alongside Norway, Israel, Moldova and Estonia in their qualifying group. However, Norway stunned the Azzurri, winning all eight matches, including emphatic 3-0 and 4-1 victories over Italy.

As a result, Gennaro Gattuso's side must now navigate the play-offs, where the unpredictability of a one-off tie can suit the smaller countries.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, may have been disappointed to draw Italy in their play-off semi-final, but will also recognise the immense pressure on the home side to deliver and make the World Cup for the first time since 2014.

Gattuso has deliberately opted to host the match at Atalanta’s stadium in Bergamo, believing the smaller venue will generate a stronger atmosphere and greater backing for his players. But that decision could quickly come under scrutiny if Northern Ireland manage to strike early.

Read on as we show you how to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland from anywhere in the world for free with a VPN.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams for free

In the U.K., Italy vs Northern Ireland will be broadcast for free on BBC iPlayer. All you need is a simple account and a UK postcode (e.g. SE1 7PB).

Alternatively, Italian viewers can stream the action at no cost on RaiPlay.

Not at home in the U.K. or Italy right now? Use NordVPN or another VPN service to trick your device into thinking you're at home in one of the countries that has the coverage for free.

How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland live streams from anywhere

Outside the country and worried about missing your stream of Italy vs Northern Ireland? Fear not, because a VPN will help you access your home coverage of the game.

The software sets your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So, it's ideal for sports fans away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:

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Use NordVPN to unblock your usual streaming service and watch Italy vs Northern Ireland.

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Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance if you're in the U.S. and want to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland, you'd select 'United Kingdom' from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to BBC iPlayer and watch the game right now.

What devices is BBC iPlayer available on?

  • Amazon Fire (Tablets, Cube, Stick, TVs)
  • Android TV (please note: some models aren’t supported)
  • Android (Mobile & Tablet) - Android 7.0 and above
  • Apple TV (tvOS 14 or later)
  • Google TV (Chromecast with Google TV and NVIDIA Shield)
  • Freely
  • Freesat (please note: some models aren’t supported)
  • Freeview Play (TVs and set-top boxes) (some models aren’t supported)       
  • iOS (iPhone & iPad) - iOS 14 and above        
  • LG Smart TVs (2016-2024)       
  • NOW Smart Sticks and Boxes (minimum firmware v11.5.0)
  • PlayStation (PS4 and PS5)
  • Roku (Stick & Roku-OS powered TVs, minimum firmware v11.5.0)
  •  Samsung Smart TVs (2017 and above)        
  • Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream puck
  • Virgin Media (360, Stream, TiVo)
  • YouView (BT, Humax, Sony, TalkTalk)
  • Xbox (One, Series X, Series S)

More from Tom's Guide

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

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Jacob Jones
Jacob Jones
Junior Editor

Jacob is a journalist and editor based in the UK. He studied Specialist Sports Journalism at the University of Derby, graduating with First-Class Honours. He has contributed articles to Football League World and previously worked at Yeovil Town Football Club. Jacob’s expertise spans streaming services and sports, with a particular passion for football, cricket, and rugby union.

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