It is crunch time for Italy — and Lorenzo Insigne is the man tasked with firing them to the World Cup.

The Azzurri need to beat Northern Ireland tonight while maintaining their superior goal difference over Switzerland if they are to secure top spot in Group C and a place at Qatar 2022.

But Roberto Mancini’s side are without talismanic forward Ciro Immobile through injury, so the team’s attacking burden has been firmly placed upon the shoulders of Insigne.

Ahead of this evening’s contest, we take a look at how the Napoli frontman can fill the void left by Immobile to inspire his nation to victory.

Instinctive Insigne

Insigne has developed into one of the most prolific attackers in Serie A, boasting seven goal contributions in just 11 league appearances this season.

The Partenopei star’s international pedigree is equally impressive after racking up three strikes and four assists in 2021.

Napoli’s No24 also has a knack for stepping up when his side needs him the most — not least when he struck a stunning goal against Belgium to drag Italy into the European Championship semi-finals in the summer.

The injured Immobile already has 12 goal contributions in 11 Serie A games this term but Insigne has the ability to step up and be counted in his absence.

Lively Lorenzo

One of Insigne’s strongest attributes is his tenacious work rate and ability to defend from the front.

He has developed a reputation for not giving defenders a moment's peace, whether it be through his pressing or his darting runs in behind.

The Napoli captain has won back possession eight times in the attacking third in Serie A this season and made nine interceptions — both of which place him inside the division’s top five forwards for those metrics.

Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough typically encourages his side to play out from the back but Insigne will be ready to pounce on any errors from the Green and White Army’s rearguard.

Three's a crowd

Insigne will be lining up against a familiar system tonight, with Northern Ireland tending to set out with three at the back.

The majority of sides in Serie A deploy a similar set-up, which the 30-year-old has been particularly successful against this term.

The winger enjoys hugging the left touchline before cutting inside onto his favoured right foot.

If Northern Ireland leave any space between their right wing-back and right-sided centre-back, Insigne is the ideal player to exploit it.

Killer pass

Though goals are a significant part of Insigne’s game, his ability to play a killer pass and create chances is equally impressive.

Inspired by years of playing 'Sarri-ball' under former Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri, he has become one of the most effective playmakers in Italy — and it is often suggested that the winger would make a terrific attacking midfielder.

Insigne has created the third most (27) chances in Serie A this season and is averaging a commendable 18.17 completed passes into the final third per 90 minutes.

With deadly finishers like Domenico Berardi and Andrea Belotti in the Italy squad, they will be licking their lips at the prospect of Insigne conjuring opportunities for them.

London Calling

Much has been made of Insigne’s contract situation at Napoli in recent days.

The forward's current deal expires next summer and his agent Vincenzo Pisacane has publicly expressed frustration that the Partenopei are looking to slash his wages.

He said: "I’m hearing too many journalists saying Lorenzo rejected generous offers from Napoli and that [owner Aurelio] De Laurentiis offered him the maximum he could.

"My relationship with De Laurentiis is great, but I must clarify that the contract offer comes with a 50% pay cut. I am an agent and I must defend the captain at any time."

Insigne will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside of Italy at the turn of the year as things stand — and Champions League winners Chelsea are rumoured to be interested in signing the attacker.

The Blues will surely be keeping a close eye on the Azzurri frontman while he is in the United Kingdom to take on Northern Ireland this evening.