Goal and assist from Sandro Tonali power Italy past Northern Ireland, with Moise Kean sealing a crucial win in World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Italy took a decisive step toward returning to the World Cup with a 2–0 victory over Northern Ireland in Bergamo, booking their place in the playoff final.
After a tense and often frustrating performance, the Azzurri finally broke through in the second half thanks to Sandro Tonali, who delivered both a goal and an assist in a standout display.
The first half saw Italy dominate possession but struggle to create clear chances. Mateo Retegui and Federico Dimarco tried to unlock a compact Northern Ireland defense, but Michael O’Neill’s side remained organized and rarely threatened Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal.
The breakthrough came in the 56th minute. After a missed opportunity moments earlier, Italy found the spark through Tonali, who struck a powerful low shot from the edge of the box to beat Pierce Charles and finally break the deadlock.
The goal lifted the tension, but Italy still lacked composure in managing the lead. Northern Ireland remained disciplined, waiting for a chance that never truly arrived.
Italy doubled their advantage in the 80th minute. Tonali once again played a key role, delivering a precise pass to Moise Kean, who cut inside and finished clinically with a low shot that kissed the post before going in.
The goal sealed the result and sent Italy into the playoff final, where they will face Bosnia with a place at the World Cup on the line.
While Tonali and Kean impressed, there were mixed performances elsewhere, with Retegui struggling to make an impact and Donnarumma looking uncertain with the ball at his feet.
Still, the result is what matters most: Italy are now just one win away from ending their long absence from the World Cup.
Match Report
Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Goals:
56’ Tonali (Italy), 80’ Kean (Italy)
Italy (3-5-2):
Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni (63’ Gatti), Calafiori; Politano (83’ Palestra), Barella, Locatelli, Tonali (83’ Pisilli), Dimarco; Kean (88’ Raspadori), Retegui (63’ Pio Esposito).
Head Coach: Gennaro Gattuso
Northern Ireland (3-5-1-1):
P. Charles; Hume, McNair, McConville; Devlin (69’ Smyth), S. Charles, Galbraith, Devenny, Spencer (79’ Reid); Price; Donley (79’ Magennis).
Head Coach: Michael O’Neill
Referee: Danny Makkelie
Yellow Cards: Bastoni
Red Cards: None
