Four-time soccer world champions Italy have kept their chance of participating in the World Cup for the first time since 2014. In the semi-finals of the European playoffs, national coach Gennaro Gattuso’s team beat Northern Ireland 2-0 (0-0) in Bergamo. Italy missed qualifying for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.
The goals were scored by Sandro Tonali (56th minute) from Newcastle United and Moise Kean (80th) from AC Fiorentina with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area.
On Tuesday the Italians will play away in Bosnia and Herzegovina for one of the last places in the summer World Cup finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Italy is having a hard time against the disciplined Northern Irish
In front of 25,000 spectators in Bergamo, the Italians struggled after a good start. The Northern Irish defended in a disciplined manner and made space tight for the hosts. The Squadra Azzurra couldn’t think of much to outplay the Northern Irish defense line. Guest keeper Pierce Charles only had to intervene seriously before the break when Federico Dimarco shot (8th).
After the break, the Italians became more active. They managed to increase the pressure and create more chances. Tonali’s goal seemed like a liberation. From then on, the hosts also got better in terms of play. After Kean’s goal the decision was made.
