Italy has taken a big step towards participation in the World Cup. Coach Gennaro Gattuso’s team defeated outsiders Northern Ireland and is in the final of the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
The big embarrassment averted, the World Cup remains in sight: Italy retained its chance of the world tournament in Canada, USA and Mexico in the summer with a deserved 2-0 (0-0) against Northern Ireland in the semi-final playoff of the World Cup qualification.
In the hard-fought success in Bergamo, it was Sandro Tonali who scored 1-0 (56th) for the Italians. Moise Keane made the final score (80th).
Italy will play the decider in Bosnia next Tuesday. The winner of this game receives the World Cup ticket.
A lot of pressure for Italy
“It’s the most important game since I’ve been coach”said Italy national coach Gennaro Gattuso before the game against the Northern Irish. The pressure on the former world-class player was enormous; after all, a defeat would have meant the third failure in the World Cup qualification in a row.
There was a lot at stake. The future of the national coach at the “Squadra Azzurra” would also have been uncertain. But: The proud football nation has prevented the next low blow for now. Also because the Italians approached the game courageously.
Tough Northern Irish
Against the outsiders, the hosts took control from the start and had three approaches to the goal in the first few minutes, which the Northern Irish were able to defuse with a lot of effort.
Coach Michael O’Neill’s team proved to be extremely unpleasant, tough and defensive opponents, just as they had done against Germany in the group phase. The Italians found it increasingly difficult to find gaps in the opposition’s defense, also because they were unable to get the pace into the game.
Tonali with the redeeming goal
The Northern Irish weren’t a threat to score, but for a long time they weren’t in danger of conceding a goal because they annoyed the unimaginative Italians and completely took them out of the game.
This picture continued in the second half. Until Tonali suddenly had a free shot from 16 meters. His direct shot fell flat and unstoppable into the Northern Irish goal, giving them the celebrated lead – a real relief for the Italians.
As a result, the Italians were the better team. They remained in control of the game and deservedly increased it to 2-0 thanks to Kean. Tonali crossed from the left into the penalty area, attacker Kean processed the ball and pushed the ball into the far corner for the final score.
