Italy 2–0 Northern Ireland: Azzurri One Step from World Cup Return

Italy moved within one win of World Cup qualification after a confident 2–0 victory over Northern Ireland in the playoff semifinals.

Sandro Tonali was the standout performer, scoring the opening goal and assisting the second in a crucial night for the Azzurri. For Tonali, the moment carried special meaning — as a child, he admired coach Gennaro Gattuso so much that he used to drink from a cup with Gattuso’s image on it every morning.

Now wearing the iconic No. 8 shirt and playing in his idol’s position, Tonali delivered when it mattered most. He broke the deadlock early in the second half with a well-taken half-volley before setting up Moise Kean to seal the win.

“It’s the most important goal of my career,” Tonali said after the match.

Italy has struggled in recent years, missing out on the last two World Cups and failing to make an impact since their 2006 triumph. But this performance suggests a potential return to form.

⚽ Final hurdle ahead

Italy will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final, needing just one more win to secure a place at the World Cup in North America.

“We have to win — there’s no other option,” Tonali said.

Bosnia booked their spot after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Wales, with veteran Edin Džeko playing a key role.

“It will be a very tough match,” said Gattuso. “They have experience and it won’t be easy.”

If Italy qualifies, they will enter a group alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.