Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland: Tonali Stars As ITA Beat NIR In Bergamo
Italy finally won a match in the World Cup playoffs. Now the four-time champion needs to win one more to avoid failing to qualify for a third straight time. The Azzurri beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the European semifinals on Thursday. Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock with a half-volley early in the second half for Italy at home in Bergamo and then set up another goal for Moise Kean. Italy take on Bosnia and Herzegovina needing another victory to reach the upcoming tournament in North America and avoid going at least 16 years without even playing a match at soccer’s biggest event.
Northern Ireland's Ruairi McConville clears the ball before Italy's Moise Kean can score during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles dives to stop a shot by Italy's Moise Kean who scored his side's second goal during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Italy's Moise Kean attempts top score with a bicycle kick during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Italy's Moise Kean shoots on goal as Northern Ireland's Paddy McNair slides to stop the shot during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles pulls a save on Italy's Mateo Retegui during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Italy's Federico Dimarco, right, celebrates with teammate Sandro Tonali who scored his side's first goal during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Northern Ireland's Jamie Donley, right, and Italy's Manuel Locatelli vie for the ball during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Italy's Matteo Politano, left, Italy's Alessandro Bastoni, second left, Northern Ireland's Brodie Spencer, center right, and Northern Ireland's Shea Charles vie for the ball during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
Italy's Matteo Politano, left, Northern Ireland's Isaac Price, center, and Northern Ireland's Ethan Galbraith vie for the ball during the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni
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