Italy were held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland in Belfast in their final group match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, thereby dropping into the play-offs.The reigning European champions, who were leading Switzerland in Group C entering the match, had to equal or better the latter's result from the other game.La Nati thrashed Bulgaria 4-0 and Roberto Mancini's side were unable to find a way past the Norn Iron. As a result, they failed to book a direct spot at the Qatar showpiece. Gianluigi Donnarumma even nearly gifted their hosts a late winner after he was caught out at the back. But Conor Washington saw his strike blocked on the line by Leonardo Bonucci.𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎@TheEuropeanLadFT: Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy.Italy FAIL to qualify directly for the World Cup and will have to play the play offs, just like Portugal!3:05 AM · Nov 16, 2021127390FT: Northern Ireland 0-0 Italy.Italy FAIL to qualify directly for the World Cup and will have to play the play offs, just like Portugal! https://t.co/gSsQ6Q0mLDIan Baraclough's side finished third but Italy would be really disappointed not to have won the group and will have to go through the play-offs in March 2022.Here are the player ratings for Italy:Gianluigi Donnarumma - 6.5/10The Italy custodian was hardly tested but made a mess towards the end which very nearly gifted Northern Ireland a late goal. Donnarumma was also yellow-carded on the night.Giovanni Di Lorenzo - 6/10He looked to get his side on the front foot with many hopeful punts forward but lost possession far too many times.Leonardo Bonucci - 7/10The Italy skipper kept his side pushing with neat passes and was tidy in defense too, making a goal-line block in stoppage-time to deny the hosts a late win.OptaPaolo 🏆@OptaPaolo114 - Leonardo Bonucci equals today Giorgio Chiellini as the player with the sixth-most appearances in the history of the Italian National Team (114). Warriors.#irlandadelnorditalia12:55 PM · Nov 16, 202117238114 - Leonardo Bonucci equals today Giorgio Chiellini as the player with the sixth-most appearances in the history of the Italian National Team (114). Warriors.#irlandadelnorditalia https://t.co/zPLZYZuU79Francesco Acerbi - 7.5/10Positionally aware and excellent at passing, Acerbi made four clearances on the night and completed over 100 passes, highlighting his involvement.Emerson - 7/10He positioned himself high up as Northern Ireland rarely troubled but dragged a good effort wide late on.Sandro Tonali - 6/10Reckless on the ball and lacking creativity, Tonali was below his best again. He was booked on the night and was substituted.Jorginho - 7/10The midfield maestro worked hard in midfield but produced nothing special.Nicolo Barella - 6.5/10He started off brightly, drifting forward a few times and working a few openings, but faded as the match wore on.Domenico Berardi - 7.5/10Berardi was calm and composed in tense moments and at the heart of some good chances.Lorenzo Insigne - 7/10The Napoli winger was a big threat all night but lacked the end-product.Federico Chiesa - 7.5/10He effectively carried the ball forward with electric dribbles and fought hard for possession off it too.SubstitutesBryan Cristante - 6.5/10He came on for Tonali at half-time as the Milan star was on a booking and covered every blade of grass.Andrea Belotti - 6/10The Torino striker was subbed to bolster Italy's attack but struggled to get involved.Manuel Locatelli - 6/10He laid one good deep cross that was headed by Craig Cathcart.Federico Bernardeschi - 5/10The Juventus man barely even got a whiff of the ball.Gianluca Scamacca - N/AHe did not spend enough time on the pitch to warrant a rating.