Italy finally cleared its first hurdle in the World Cup playoffs and has one more game to win to avoid missing the competition for the third consecutive time.
The four-time World Cup champions beat Northern Ireland 2-0 on Thursday night in Bergamo, getting a breakthrough goal from Sandro Tonali early in the second half before Tonali helped create the insurance marker for Moise Kean.
Tonali opened the scoring in the 56th minute with a half-volley that settled Italy’s nerves, and the Azzurri were largely in control from there.
In the 80th, Tonali sprayed a crossfield pass to Kean, who took a clean touch and slid a low finish home to double the lead.
> We put in a good performance. This should be a confidence boost for Tuesday.
>
> — Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso
“After taking the lead, we cleared our minds,” Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said.
“We put in a good performance. This should be a confidence boost for Tuesday.
“We have to win. We have no other choice.”
Italy’s next step is a winner-take-all final on Tuesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which advanced by beating Wales 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Cardiff.
A victory would send Italy to the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico, and finally end a qualifying drought that began with playoff failures in 2018 and 2022.
**Field Level Media**