Ian Paraklov appealed to his players to become sculptors of history when they face Italy in Parma next week.

In the 1958 World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park, Northern Ireland had beaten the Azores only once in their previous nine meetings.

Jimmy McIlroy and Wilbur were the champions that night in Belfast, but Northern Ireland did not win at home to Italy.

“You constantly hear me talk about creating boundaries and making history,” Paraklov said.

I think no country is better at doing this than it is with Northern Ireland.

“We are beating more than our weight, we are getting results from adverse circumstances, but one thing is that the group may lose and the disappointing thing is scoring too much against a great country.

“Last season we had to beat the Netherlands at home. After remaining in a big position, we can say that we would have won outside our country, the Netherlands.

I know players are frustrated with this. If we do not think we can go to Italy and get good results, I do not want them to get close to the team, it’s very simple.

“If we start working properly and doing their individual and collective work, we give ourselves a chance.”

In addition to Italy, Northern Ireland will face Switzerland, Bulgaria and Lithuania in the qualifying round for the World Cup.

Some critics have already canceled their chances, and the criticisms have reinforced Barracks’ ambition.

He said, “There’s nothing better than putting people’s words in your mouth, isn’t there?”

“This is something we enjoy, and this team has done it again and again.

“Even if they are canceled, they seem to be strong again and we will continue to go to the well.

“It’s important that new players have this mentality and maintain the level we have reached.”