European Champions will have to take the playoffs path.
Northern Ireland put up their greatest performance of the qualifying season to win a 0-0 draw, denying Italy automatic entry for the World Cup. In the final minute, substitute Conor Washington came close to winning it for the hosts, but his shot was cleared off the line.
Joseph Mwabili001 
Switzerland's victory over Bulgaria puts them in first place in Group C, forcing European champions Italy into a play-off for a spot in Qatar. Ian Baraclough's side finished third in the table after the draw.
Switzerland, who were in second position going into Monday night's final qualifying matches, won the group with a 4-0 thrashing of Bulgaria.
Northern Ireland almost pulled off one of the biggest giantkilling acts in their history with a superb second-half performance in front of a loud Windsor Park crowd. Before Washington raced onto a long pass in the 90th minute and beat outrushing Donnarumma to the ball, George Saville and Stuart Dallas had both gone close with decent chances.
The Charlton Athletic striker had a clear chance on goal, but he failed to catch it cleanly, allowing Italy captain Leonardo Bonucci to get back and clear his line. The entire home crowd was on its feet, and they were standing again when the final whistle blew to send the players off the field.
Before leaving the ground, home captain Steven Davis savored the Windsor atmosphere, despite having stated previously that he would not consider his international future until after the campaign. Roberto Mancini's Italians, who were ahead of the Swiss on goal difference going into the encounter, will now have to prepare for a play-off in March after missing out on the last World Cup due to a play-off loss to Sweden.
