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The team’s first training session early this evening was held in extremely warm conditions, with the temperature reaching almost 30 degrees; however manager Nigel Worthington was pleased with how the session went.

“It was good to get all the players on the pitch, it was very, very warm, but we had a nice, steady session and everything went well out on the training ground today,” he said.

A tough challenge lies ahead for the Northern Ireland boys, with nine of the 18 man squad never having played for the senior side; however the mood in the camp is good and everyone is enjoying the experience of being part of the team at this level – something which the manager believes is very important.

Looking ahead to the game, Worthington added: “It will be a big challenge for our young players, because the young Italian players are very good, but it will be a good experience for them.

“Also the game will allow us to have a look at our young players and access them and see where they are in relation to another nationality.”

NI Squad for Italy game
Jonathan Tuffey (Partick Thistle) - 1 cap
Alan Mannus (Linfield) - 3 caps
Chris Casement (Ipswich Town)
Shane Duffy (Everton)
Colin Coates (Crusaders)
Ryan McGivern (Manchester City) - 5 caps
Damien Johnson (Birmingham City) - 51 caps
Michael O'Connor - 5 caps
Shane Ferguson (Newcastle United)
Niall McGinn (Celtic) - 1 cap
Grant McCann (Scunthorpe United) - 21 caps; 3 goals
Corry Evans (Manchester United)
Stephen Carson (Coleraine)
Robert Garrett (Linfield)
Andrew Little (Rangers) - 1 cap
David Healy (Sunderland) - 73 caps; 35 goals
James Lawrie (Port Vale)
Martin Donnelly (Crusaders)

The game kicks-off at 8.50pm (local time) and will be broadcast live on BBC NI.