Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is promising Italy "a hell of a game" at Windsor Park next month when the teams meet in a Euro 2012 qualifier.

Worthington was in buoyant mood after his side opened their campaign by defeating Slovenia 1-0 in Maribor on Friday night thanks to Corry Evans' match-winner in the 70th minute. Italy stumbled past Estonia in their first Euro qualifier, coming from behind to record a 2-1 victory.

Looking forward to the game on October 11, Worthington said: "We have three points in the bag and a hell of a game coming up. We will make it that way."

He added: "We had people running until they dropped so we could get the victory against Slovenia. That is what makes us hard to beat at times."

Northern Ireland also face Serbia, Estonia and the Faroe Islands in the group and Worthington added:" We have a lot of games to come so we have to be focused and very professional. If we do that we can get good results."