'Northern Ireland have nothing to fear but everything to gain'

Former Northern Ireland and Leeds United wide man Stuart Dallas is part of BBC Sport NI's coverage of Thursday's World Cup play-off in Italy.

Northern Ireland's World Cup play-off semi-final in Italy is a huge chance for the players to write their names in the history books.

It has been 40 years since Northern Ireland's last World Cup, and they have been handed the toughest possible draw if they are to make the finals this summer.

If they can win in Italy, and then again in either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina, then it would be something very, very special.

Michael O'Neill and his players deserve a lot of credit for being in this position, and it shows the progress that has been made over the past few years as the squad continues to grow.

Despite that, few outside the group will expect them to win in Bergamo on Thursday and that can be an advantage.

Michael's squad is young and energetic. They can relish the opportunity, and they will be quietly confident of causing an upset.

Italy maybe aren't as strong as what they once were, but they are still a big nation with quality players throughout their side.

But the pressure is all on them to not miss out on a third World Cup in a row, so Northern Ireland have nothing to fear, nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Blackburn job 'doesn't change anything'

There has been a lot of noise surrounding Michael O'Neill's decision to take on the Blackburn Rovers job ahead of the play-off, but for me it doesn't change anything leading into the game.

The preparation has been done and Michael is very thorough in his work. He leaves no stone unturned no matter the game or what is on the line.

He physically can't do anything with the players until the group meet up, and if I was still playing, I wouldn't have batted an eyelid at him taking that job on.

Michael will be a sharper coach for the experience, and he will still be keeping a close eye by watching players and their games.

The players will prepare the same way, and Michael will prepare the team in the same way. It will not make a difference for this game and he will have his team ready.

For the players, you have to treat it like any other game from the moment you arrive into camp.

You have to do everything possible to give yourself the best opportunity to be at the highest level come game day, whether it be from the start or off the bench.

There are no excuses, you only get one shot at this and you have to be ready, and Michael will be too.

One area that does concern me, however, is the loss of Dan Ballard for the game. It's a huge blow.

Northern Ireland are already without Conor Bradley so to lose another Premier League player, especially one of Dan's quality, is really disappointing.

I've watched a lot of games and he has been exceptional for Sunderland this season and he has really stepped up in the Premier League.

He brings a lot to Northern Ireland, with his experience, leadership and his impact in both boxes.

He will be a big loss and other players will have to step up to fill the void he has left.

'You have to be clinical'

Northern Ireland will have to be brave on the night, both with and without the ball.

You would expect Italy to dominate possession and Northern Ireland will have to soak up a lot of pressure.

Northern Ireland only conceded six goals in six matches in the group stage of qualifying, and had two clean sheets. Three of the goals conceded came from set pieces, so that will be key on Thursday.

They have already shown against Germany in the campaign that they can be solid at the back for large parts of the game, and they have players with ability to make a difference on the counter attack.

That is where Conor Bradley will be missed the most with his running power, but there are other players who can bring that energy to the team.

You have to be tidy with the ball and not do anything silly, and then hope that you are able to pick them off when you get the chance.

In international football you rarely get too many opportunities, and that is especially the case against the big teams.

You have to be clinical, and that is why if they are to win it, I think it could come through a breakaway goal.

Northern Ireland have traditionally struggled for goals and a natural goalscorer, and it is good to see Isaac Price score for West Brom heading into this window. He could be the difference maker.

As a player, you would hate to look back at the game and rue missed opportunities. You have to throw everything at it.

There is an opportunity to become a Northern Ireland legend, and we are all behind them and believe they can do it as they look to make history.

Stuart Dallas was speaking to BBC Sport NI's Andy Gray.

Watch Italy v Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off on Thursday, 26 March from 19:00 GMT on BBC iPlayer, BBC One NI and BBC Three; listen on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio Ulster, and follow live text commentary with in-play clips on BBC Sport app and website.

On Wednesday, 25 March watch a special preview show with Italy and Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app and website from 19:00 GMT.