Italy and Portugal have been drawn in Path C of the World Cup play-offs, meaning either the European champions Italy or Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal will not be at the World Cup, with the winners of their semis meeting in a final.
Italy were drawn against North Macedonia, the lowest-ranked team in the play-offs.
Italy will have home advantage for that tie and would travel to Portugal or Turkey in a potential heavyweight final clash.
Failure to advance would be a major blow for four-time World Cup winners Italy, who did not qualify for the 2018 edition – the first time they missed out on qualification in 60 years.
Failure to qualify for Portugal could mean 36-year-old Ronaldo has played at his last World Cup.
Path C:
Italy vs North Macedonia
Portugal vs Turkey
The semi-finals and finals, both played over one leg, will take place over the course of five days from 24-29 March.