Italy needed a hero in their World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland, and Sandro Tonali was the man who stepped up.
Knowing that they needed to win to keep their dreams of being at the tournament in the summer alive, Italy started in a nervous way against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, even going into half-time at 0-0 provoking worries of another play-off failure.
However, Tonali put them ahead relatively early in the second half to calm the nerves. A clearing header fell straight to him, and the Newcastle United star fired in a thunderous effort from the edge of the area.
The reported summer Milan target Moise Kean added a second after a lovely touch and finish to book Italy’s place in the play-off ‘final’ against Bosnia next week. The job is not done, but after the game Tonali spoke to Sky (via MilanNews) to offer his thoughts.
Sandro, how does that feel?
“We’ve seen a few monsters this week, because you think back to what Italy has done in recent years… I’m not saying you’re scared, but unfortunately it can happen.”
Who did you want in the final between Bosnia and Wales?
“Only Italy mattered. We haven’t thought about this match yet, now let’s enjoy this victory and we’ll think about it from tomorrow. We’ve never gotten this far in recent years, that’s the truth.”
How did the game go in your eyes?
We were tense, a little scared at times, but in the second half we freed ourselves from all that. We had to win no matter what, no matter how. We have a goal, and we have to get there no matter what.”
You scored another big goal…
“The most important of my career so far, along with the one I scored against Lazio when I was at Milan. I dedicate it to everyone because everyone deserves to go to the World Cup. But be careful: we haven’t achieved anything yet, there’s still a long way to go.
“Now we have to reset this game, unfortunately I might add because it was good tonight, but we have to recover and give 150% in the next match to go to the World Cup. We’ll have to leave the pitch feeling exhausted, people deserve to enjoy a World Cup, we have that responsibility.”
The goal that he is referring to is of course his late winner in the 2021-22 season at the Stadio Olimpico, which would be crucial in the eventual Scudetto win.
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