Stephen Barr pictured in Bergamoplaceholder image
Stephen Barr pictured in Bergamo
Northern Ireland fans have spoken of the fantastic atmosphere and enthusiasm for the future despite the country's dreams of featuring at the World Cup ending at the hands of Italy on Thursday night.
The Green and White Army put in a valiant performance in Bergamo but ultimately came up short as Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean netted goals for the Italians to end any hopes of World Cup qualification this summer.
Around 1300 Northern Ireland fans were inside the stadium for the play-off semi-final and they certainly made themselves heard before, during and after the game as Michael O'Neill's men came up short in their quest to end a 40-year wait to play at a World Cup.
However, optimism remains high within the Northern Ireland fan base that brighter days are ahead for the young squad as Euro 2028 is the next major tournament on the horizon.
Rab Nethery (second left) pictured with Jimmy Nesbitt (far right) in Bergamoplaceholder image
Rab Nethery (second left) pictured with Jimmy Nesbitt (far right) in Bergamo
"There was a great atmosphere around the city and in the ground until the Tonali goal, which as a Newcastle fan, was the only time I didn't want to see him score," said Stephen Barr, who grew up in Portstewart but now lives in Bangor.
"We were doing really well at frustrating them and you always think you have a chance of sneaking one at 0-0.
"There is a really good young side developing now and the fact the average age is 22.5 is incredible for international football. As this team gets more experience and grows together, we can look forward to having a genuine chance of qualifying for the 2028 Euros and maybe even the 2030 World Cup."
O'Neill, who is currently managing both Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers, says he remains committed to honouring his contract with the country until 2028 - news which has been welcomed by Stephen.
He added: "I think he might just fancy another Euros tournament and could well stay on to see if this side can qualify.
"With a decent group we will have a great chance."
Northern Ireland now play Wales in a friendly next Tuesday night and fellow fan Robert Nethery says it’ll be interesting to see if O’Neill experiments with his squad.
He explained: “We done well defensively but just struggled to ever create anything going forward.
"The atmosphere around the city was really good all day...I think at the game it was a little tense at times and the goal after half time just killed things.
“I think this was always a tournament too soon for this group of players. Last night I think we only had one player who started over the age of 24, so come the next Euros and next World Cup a lot of these players will come into their prime.
“I'm flying back over on Monday for the game. Fly into Manchester and get the train down to Cardiff. It's not the game either side will have wanted to play but perhaps it's a chance for Michael to try something different or have a look at other players.
"I guess there's also the possibility of it being his last game, so it will be interesting to see his reaction come the end of the game.”