Northern Ireland will start their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign with a trip to Slovenia on 3 September, before welcoming Italy to Windsor Park.
The international fixtures announced on Monday are breaking with tradition as the game in Slovenia is on Friday, as are half the qualifiers, with no matches on a Saturday.
The September clash will be followed a month later with an eagerly-awaited home game against Italy.
Nigel Worthington's side will also round off their campaign against the world champions.
Northern Ireland have opted to play three of their first four games away from Belfast in the hope of an easier run-in.
Northern Ireland's Euro 2012 qualifying fixtures:
- September 3: Slovenia v Northern Ireland
- October 8: Northern Ireland v Italy
- October 12: Faroe Islands v Northern Ireland
- March 25 2011: Serbia v Northern Ireland
- March 29 2011 : Northern Ireland v Slovenia
- August 10 2011 : Northern Ireland v Faroe Islands
- September 2 2011 : Northern Ireland v Serbia
- September 6 2011: Estonia v Northern Ireland
- October 7 2011: Northern Ireland v Estonia
- October 11 2011: Italy v Northern Ireland
© UTV News