Italy moved one step closer to a long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup, securing a composed 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the play-off semi-final. It was a night of both relief and rising belief in Bergamo, as Gennaro Gattuso’s side delivered when it mattered most.

Having missed out on the 2018 and 2022 editions of world football’s biggest tournament, the pressure on the Azzurri was immense. Yet, despite a slightly nervous start, Italy quickly asserted control, dictating the tempo and pinning their opponents deep inside their own half. Northern Ireland remained compact and disciplined, frustrating the hosts throughout the first half.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 56th minute, and it was Sandro Tonali who rose to the occasion. The midfielder produced a precise, low-driven finish into the corner, igniting the home crowd and easing the tension that had been building inside the stadium.

To their credit, Northern Ireland responded with physical intensity, attempting to disrupt Italy’s rhythm through strong challenges and direct play. However, the gulf in technical quality gradually became more apparent as the match wore on.

The decisive moment came late in the game. Moise Kean first came close with a spectacular acrobatic effort that narrowly missed the target — a warning sign of what was to come. Moments later, he made no mistake, coolly finishing via the post to seal the result and spark celebrations across Bergamo.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers

Italy - Northern Ireland 2:0 (0:0)
Goals: Tonali, 56 (1:0); Kean M., 80 (2:0)

Italy: Donnarumma G.; Dimarco; Calafiori; Bastoni (Gatti, 64); Mancini G.; Locatelli; Politano (Palestra, 83); Tonali (Pisilli, 83); Barella; Retegui (Pio Esposito, 63); Kean M. (Raspadori, 88)
Substitution: Pio Esposito (from 63); Gatti (from 64); Palestra (from 83); Pisilli (from 83); Raspadori (from 88)
Bench: Carnesecchi; Meret; Buongiorno; Scalvini; Spinazzola; Cristante; Frattesi
Yellow Cards: Bastoni 58

Northern Ireland: Charles; Hume; McConville; McNair; Charles Sh.; Devlin (Smyth P., 68); Galbraith; Price; Devenny; Spencer (Reid J., 79); Donley (Magennis, 79)
Substitution: Smyth P. (from 68); Reid J. (from 79); Magennis (from 79)
Bench: Peacock-Farrell; Hazard Co.; Toal; Atcheson; Brown Ci.; Saville G.; Kelly; Lyons; Marshall