The draw for the play-off stages of the UEFA World Cup qualifying rounds has been made
Sandro Tonali in action for Italy
Newcastle's Sandro Tonali in action for Italy(Image: Getty Images)
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Sandro Tonali and Italy must overcome Northern Ireland and then either Wales or Bosnia to book their place at next summer's World Cup finals.
The Newcastle United midfielder was unable to help steer his country to top spot in their qualifiing group over the last few months, with Norway taking the honours.
However, the Italians finished second, meaning they made it to the play-off stage, which will take place in March. The draw for those games was made today, with four 'paths' resulting in four countries joining England, Germany, France, Spain and Co at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Tonali and Italy were handed a home semi-final against Northern Ireland next year, with the winners then facing either Wales or Bosnia away in the final.
United stars Anthony Elanga and Emil Krafth have also learned Sweden's fate, along with former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
The Swedes finished bottom of Group B after a disastrous campaign, but qualified for the play-offs thanks to their previous Nations League success.
They will travel to Ukraine in the semi-finals and take on either Poland or Albania in the final, should they make it through.
Speaking last week, Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso urged the footballing authorities to take a look at the qualifying process, with his country facing their third consecutive play-offs.
The failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022 after losing to Sweden and North Macedonia respectively, and Gatusso said: "In my day, the best runners-up went straight to the World Cup, now the rules have changed.
"To change the rules, you need to tell those who organize these tournaments. Italy's record of six wins? You'd have to ask the people who make the groups and the rules.
"In 1990 and 1994, there were two African teams, now there are nine. It's not a controversy, but there are difficulties, and we know it well.
"If we look at South America, where six out of 10 teams go directly to the World Cup and the seventh heads into a play-off with a team from Oceania, that does give you regrets and a certain sadness. That is the disappointment. The system needs to change in Europe."
Next year's World Cup will feature 42 nations, the most ever, with countries such as Cape Verde, Curaçao, Haiti and Uzbekistan already booking their place in tournament.
UEFA World Cup play-off draw
Path A
Italy v Northern Ireland
Wales v Bosnia
Path B
Ukraine v Sweden
Poland v Albania
Path C
Turkey v Romania
Slovakia v Kosovo
Path D
Denmark v North Macedonia
Czechia v Republic of Ireland