Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has warned Italy they will face a tough time at Windsor Park on Tuesday.
Worthington's men began their Euro 2012 qualification campaign with a worthy 1-0 win over Slovenia in Maribor. At the same time, the Italians were winning away in Estonia but the former world champions, who exited this year's World Cup at the group stages in a flimsy defence, had to come from behind to secure a 2-1 success and the three points.
Having also lost a recent friendly against the Ivory Coast, there is much doubt as to whether Cesare Prandelli's men can match up to the many great Italian generations of the past.
Worthington is not being so naive as to think the giants will be rolled over in Belfast, but he has warned the Azzurri that his men will give them a 'hell of a game'.
"We have three points in the bag and a hell of a game coming up. We will make it that way," said the former Norwich City boss.
"We had people running until they dropped so we could get the victory against Slovenia. That is what makes us hard to beat at times.
"We have a lot of games to come so we have to be focused and very professional. If we do that we can get good results."
Manchester United youngster Corry Evans scored the only goal of the game in Slovenia as Northern Ireland's campaign kicked off with an impressive win.