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Although the majority of Italy’s big names are missing from their squad; those who have been named for the game are very talented players, playing for big clubs such as AC Milan, Lazio, Liverpool, Galatasaray, Fiorentina, Roma, Juventus, Inter Milan and Villarreal.

And Johnson, who will lead the side out at the Arena Garibaldi Stadium for the International Challenge Match, believes that even though the likes of AC Milan’s Gianluca Zambrotta and Andrea Pirlo, Real Madrid’s Fabio Cannavaro and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon have not been included in the squad, it is vitally important that Northern Ireland show their opponents respect.

"The teams they play for are all top teams and, although it may not be their usual starting XI, the one they have used in the qualifiers, their guys are going to be like our guys and are going to be eager to impress," he said. “It is going to be a really tough game on Saturday night."

The 30-year-old, who has been capped 51 times for his country, is once again greatly honoured to be handed the captain’s armband. Johnson captained the team in March when he won his 50th cap in the World Cup qualifier against Poland at Windsor Park.

 “I’ve missed a lot of games over the last couple of years through injury, so I’m always pleased just to be playing; however it is a great honour for me to captain the team once again.”

The Italy v Northern Ireland game kicks-off at 8.50pm (local time) and will be broadcast live on BBC 2 Northern Ireland.