Josh Magennis and Gavin Whyte formed Northern Ireland’s front line as they began their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign against Italy in Parma on Thursday night.
The Tigers’ attacking duo gave the Italian back line plenty to think about, but it was the home side that ran out 2-0 winners thanks to first half goals from Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile.
Whyte played 64 minutes before being replaced by Shayne Lavery, while Magennis got 78 minutes under his belt before coming off for Kyle Lafferty.
Magennis and Whyte remain with Northern Ireland for their home friendly against USA on Sunday as well as next Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier at home against Bulgaria.