Italy secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Bergamo, earning their place in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Path A playoff final. After famously missing the last two editions of the tournament, the Azzurri are now just one win away from returning to the world stage.
The encounter at the New Balance Arena began with high intensity from the hosts, but Michael O’Neill’s men deployed a disciplined defensive block that frustrated Italy’s creative efforts. Despite dominating possession, the Italians struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half, heading into the locker room with the score tied at 0-0.
Gennaro Gattuso’s men emerged for the second half with renewed determination. The deadlock was finally broken in the 64th minute when Sandro Tonali unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that sent the Bergamo crowd into a frenzy.
With Northern Ireland forced to push forward for an equalizer, Italy found more space to operate. They officially sealed the result ten minutes from time when Moise Kean provided a clinical finish to make it 2-0, ending any hopes of a late comeback. With this victory, they move on to the Path A Final on Tuesday, March 31. Italy will face the winner of the other semifinal between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
