sports
March 27, 2026
Tonali and Kean end Northern Ireland World Cup hopes to send Italy into playoff final
Game seven of Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy tenure eventually delivered comfort. In number eight, he will look to end the painful wait of a nation by returning his country to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Northern Ireland’s future, a bright one with this young squad, means looking towards Euro 2028. This was a campaign too soon.
TL;DR
- Italy has qualified for the World Cup playoff final, aiming to return to the tournament for the first time since 2014.
- Northern Ireland's young squad is looking towards Euro 2028, as this World Cup campaign was considered too soon for them.
- Gennaro Gattuso's Italy team showed improvement in the second half after a disappointing first 45 minutes.
- Sandro Tonali scored the crucial opening goal for Italy from 18 yards.
- Moise Kean secured the win for Italy with a late goal.
- Despite the win, Italy's performance was described as labored and lacking conviction.
- Mateo Retegui missed a golden opportunity for Italy in the second half.
- Northern Ireland played without several key injured players.