Ian Baraclough has urged his players to become history makers when they face Italy in Parma next week.
Northern Ireland have beaten the Azzurri just once in nine previous meetings, a 2-1 win in a World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park way back in 1958.
Jimmy McIlroy and Wilbur Cush were the heroes that night in Belfast, but Northern Ireland have never won in Italy's backyard.
“You will constantly hear me talking about pushing the boundaries and creating history," Baraclough said.
“I think that is what it is all about and there’s no better nation than to do that with than Northern Ireland.
“We constantly keep punching above our weight, getting results against the odds but one thing that is possibly missing from the group, and frustratingly so, is getting that big result against one of the bigger nations.
“We should have beaten Holland at home in the last campaign and arguably should have won away in Holland after putting ourselves in a great position.
“I know the players are frustrated by that. If we didn’t think we could go to Italy and not get a positive result then I don’t want them near the squad, it’s as simple as that.
“If we set about the job in the right way and the players to their individual jobs, as well as collectively, then we give ourselves a chance.”
Alongside Italy, Northern Ireland will play Switzerland, Bulgaria and Lithuania in their World Cup qualifying group.
Some pundits have already written off their chances, criticism that has only fuelled Baraclough's ambition.
“There’s nothing better than stuffing people’s words back in their mouths, is there?" he said.
“That’s something we will enjoy doing and this squad has done it time and time again.
“Despite being written off, they seem to come back stronger and we will keep going to the well.
“It’s important the new players have that mentality as well and we maintain the levels we have done.”
