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.

Updated on: 27 March 2026 10:47 am

Published at: 27 March 2026 10:47 am

FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Italy vs Northern Ireland

Italian and Northern Ireland players react after the World Cup qualifying play-off soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland, in Bergamo, Italy. | Photo: AP/Antonio Calanni

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FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Northern Ireland vs Italy

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

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FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match: Italy vs Northern Ireland

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

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FIFA World Cup playoff semifinal soccer match: Northern Ireland vs Italy

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

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Italy vs Northern Ireland

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

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FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers: Northern Ireland vs Italy

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

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FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Italy vs Northern Ireland

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

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FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Northern Ireland vs Italy

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

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World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Soccer Match: Italy vs Northern Ireland

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

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World Cup Qualifying Play-Off Soccer Match: Northern Ireland vs Italy

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