This is a play-off path laden with storylines for Wales, who have struck lucky once again when it comes to securing home advantage.

Since this format of single-leg semi-finals and finals was introduced, Wales have played all four of their matches at Cardiff City Stadium. By March next year, that could be six out of six.

First, they will need to win their semi-final at home to Bosnia-Herzegovina, where Wales clinched qualification for Euro 2016, their first major tournament for 58 years.

Then there could be a final at home to Italy, who lost on their most recent visit to Cardiff in 2002 with current Wales head coach Craig Bellamy scoring the winner.

Gennaro Gattuso, now Italy boss, came on as a substitute in that 2-1 defeat at what was then known as the Millennium Stadium.

Four-time World Cup winners Italy are the highest-ranked nation in the play-offs.

Difficult matches lie in wait for Wales, but they will fancy their chances of qualifying for a second successive World Cup, and only a third in their history.