Italy coach Roberto Mancini admits their World Cup qualifying chances are on the knife edge.

The Azzurri must beat North Macedonia followed by the winner of Portugal-Turkey in order to book their place at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.

Mancini said, “We have complicated things for ourselves, we know that we have the quality to reach the World Cup. The first match will be perhaps even more difficult. We'll play in Palermo, with the fans close by, and I think it will go well.

“I trust the guys, I'm optimistic but I know there will be ten hard and difficult days. We would have liked to have got this far without them.

"I'm evaluating the players, at this time of the season it's important to be in good shape. They won't be 100% and that has to be considered."