Tonali saves Italy from a new disaster

All sorts of thoughts were running through the minds of Italy national football team players and fans, with memories of Sweden national football team and North Macedonia national football team resurfacing—until Sandro Tonali settled the ball and fired an arrow into the net of Northern Ireland national football team. Up to that moment, Italy had been paralyzed by nerves and fear of missing out on the World Cup for a third consecutive time. They still haven’t secured their ticket to the biggest stage in world football, but they’ve completed the easier part of the job with a 2–0 win over Northern Ireland in the playoff semifinal, and now a final awaits against Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.

For nearly an hour in Bergamo, Italy were tied in knots and had no idea how to break through Northern Ireland’s defensive wall. Some might say it’s in Italy’s DNA to grind out results like this, but this is no longer the same Italy that consciously plays for narrow wins with confidence and authority. This isn’t a bad team either—they have excellent players like Riccardo Calafiori, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessandro Bastoni, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella, and Federico Dimarco. However, three major weaknesses stand out if Italy want to be truly strong again: lack of creativity, lack of goal scorers, and poor management from the bench, as Gennaro Gattuso clearly isn’t up to the task.

Gattuso opted for a three-man defense with no surprises. Matteo Politano got the nod on the right flank ahead of young Palestra, while everything else was expected: Tonali, Manuel Locatelli, and Barella in midfield, with Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui leading the attack. The visitors, depleted by injuries and without key players like Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard, relied heavily on Trai Hume and Justin Devenny, with only Paddy McNair bringing real experience to the starting XI. And a big heart—that kept them in the game until early in the second half. The gritty and aggressive visitors forced Italy into crosses and set pieces, which suited them perfectly as they dominated aerially. Italy looked tense, uninspired, and nervous. In the first half, they created almost nothing against Northern Ireland’s deep block—aside from a tight-angle shot by Dimarco and two weak attempts from Kean and Retegui, they were harmless. Northern Ireland showed little attacking ambition, focusing instead on keeping the score at 0–0 as long as possible and hoping to create panic in the Italian ranks. Possession being with Italy suited them just fine.

At halftime, tension was visible on the faces of the Italian players, while hope shone in the eyes of the visitors. Gattuso made no changes, but Italy entered the second half with more determination. After early chances from Kean and Retegui, the breakthrough came through Tonali. Following one of countless cleared crosses, the ball fell to the Newcastle United FC midfielder, who let it bounce before unleashing a half-volley that gave the goalkeeper no chance. That goal lifted a huge weight off Italy’s shoulders, allowing them to play with more freedom. Gianluigi Donnarumma had one moment of madness that nearly gifted the visitors an equalizer, but that was the only real danger. Italy pushed for a second goal to seal the match and found it about ten minutes from time. Tonali delivered a long pass to Kean, who did well to control it and finish after a dribble to put the result beyond doubt. The Italians could finally breathe. However, a much tougher challenge now awaits them—a decisive clash for World Cup qualification and a fiery away match in Zenica.

2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION (UEFA)

Thursday

Path A

Italy - Northern Ireland 2-0 (0-0)

/Tonali 55, Kean 80/

Wales - Bosnia & Herzegovina 1-1 (0-0) (2-4 on penalties)

/James 51 - Dzeko 86/

Path B

Poland - Albania 2-1 (0-1)

/Lewandowski 63, Zielinski 73, Hoxha 42/

Ukraine - Sweden 1-3 (0-1)

/Ponomarenko 90 - Gyokeres 6, 51, 73(p)/

Path C

Turkey - Romania 1-0 (0-0)

/Kadıoglu 53/

Slovakia - Kosovo* 3-4 (2-1)

/Valjent 6, Haraslin 45, Strelec 90+4 - Hodza 21, Asllani 47, Muslija 60, Hajrizi 72/

Path D

Czech Republic - Republic of Ireland 2-2 (1-2) (4-3 on penalties)

/Schick 27, Krejči 86 - Parrott 19(p), Kovai 23(og)

Denmark - North Macedonia 4-0 (0-0)

/Damsgaard 49, Isaksen 58, 59, Norgaard 75/