Sandro Tonali is "looking for the positives" as Italy as they prepare for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland later this month.

Italy finished second in Group I behind Norway in qualifying, sitting six points behind the group winners, who remained perfect throughout their campaign.

As such, the Azzurri are entering the play-off for the third World Cup cycle in a row.

They missed out on the 2022 World Cup after losing their play-off semi-final to North Macedonia, having also lost to Sweden as they missed out on a place in 2018.

And Tonali is determined to ensure Italy are at the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico despite a busy month ahead of the games.

"It's going to be a busy month between the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League [for Newcastle United]," Tonali told Sky Sport Italia.

"There's also something quite important at the end of March that we're eagerly awaiting.

"It will be one of the biggest games for us; we have to play perfectly. There's pressure, but I like to look for the positives; that's the beauty of football."

Gennaro Gattuso is tasked with ending Italy's wait for a place at the World Cup, having previously won the tournament in 2006.

"I'd say Gattuso [is his biggest footballing inspiration]. I think he's been the person who's instilled the most in me, even before I knew him. When he was playing, I took things from him that I liked," Tonali said of his national team head coach.

"After meeting him, I've been able to connect with a genuine person, someone who, if he needs to tell you something, will tell you in a split second. And that's good for us.

"We need people who tell us things to our face and who will get in our faces when things aren't going well.

"We've got a coach who has given us so much, who is giving so much and will continue to give so much more. Not just him, but he and his staff will give everything they have to achieve this goal."

Italy face Northern Ireland on March 26, with Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina waiting the winner of that tie in the play-off final.