Northern Eire are 69th within the Fifa world rankings, 57 locations beneath Italy and 27 adrift of Wales, however two spots above Bosnia.
Michael O’Neill’s aspect completed third behind Germany and Slovakia within the World Cup qualifying group however secured their play-off place due to their Nations League success.
Italy, Wales and Bosnia all completed second of their teams, behind Norway, Belgium and Austria respectively.
Northern Eire need to qualify for his or her first main match since Euro 2016, once they have been knocked out within the second spherical by a Wales aspect who went on to achieve the semi-finals beneath Chris Coleman.
O’Neill was within the midst of his first, nine-year spell answerable for Northern Eire on the time and is now three years into his second stint as his nation’s supervisor.
“Down the years they’ve simply had one thing and so they know what they’re. They have an excellent supervisor who I actually like,” Bellamy added.
“I used to be fortunate sufficient to spend a little bit of time with him as nicely, and I beloved him. No marvel his gamers do nicely. They will not be enjoying at their residence floor [against Italy], however I simply really feel they’re going to be snug in any state of affairs you throw them into.
“There might be stress approaching Italy as a result of they have not certified for 2 World Cups. If I used to be Italy going into that recreation, with everybody anticipating you to win, I am telling you I would be edgy. I would not be snug with it.
“Italy is likely one of the best nations in soccer and that is plenty of accountability to shoulder. To need to play a workforce like Northern Eire, I’d simply be pondering let’s get by way of this and see what occurs within the different recreation.”
