Highlights- Italia-Irlanda del Nord 2-0 - Playoff Mondiali 2026

In Bergamo, the World Cup playoff semifinal for Italy, coached by Gattuso, against Northern Ireland. A minute of silence in memory of Beppe Savoldi, who passed away just a few hours before the match. Italy pushes hard from the start, and on the fifth corner, Di Marco's cross is met with a header from Tonali. It becomes a chip shot, and the ball brushes the intersection of the posts. On the seventh, Italy very dangerous, a series of rebounds eventually free Di Marco for a shot. Powerful left-footed shot blocked by Charles, then Tonali anticipated just two steps from the goal. The twentieth makes Northern Ireland dangerous. Galbraith's central break, which finds space and reaches its conclusion from the perimeter. Cross deflected and blocked by Donnarumma. Thirtieth, Mancini finds Reteghi at the edge of the area. The blue number 9 controls the ball and turns quickly, but the powerful shot is saved into a corner. Thirty-third minute, the good ball reaches Ken's feet, who attempts a powerful shot from outside the box, but the aim is off. Forty-second, yet another corner for Italy. Batte di Marco, Bastoni gets a good header, but the ball ends up above the crossbar. Resumption that does not alter the script. Thirty-third, a loud chance for Italy. Northern Ireland's defensive error. A pass favors Reteghi, who breaks away alone toward the goal, but he stretches too far for the ball and is anticipated by the goalkeeper. A minute later, the chance comes for Ken, who finds space on the right and immediately goes for the angled shot. Charles lies back and pushes away. Fifty-sixth, Italy finally advances. On Politano's cross, the defense makes a save. On the ball, Tonali charges forward and fires a powerful shot that beats the Northern Irish goalkeeper, giving the Azzurri the lead. Fourth goal for the Newcastle midfielder in the national team. The race has been unlocked, opening up opportunities for Italy's comeback. Sixty-sixth, the newly arrived Pio Esposito fishes vertically for Ken. A quick shot and a powerful kick. Charles is still opposing. Seventy-second, protagonist Pio Esposito on the corner from Di Marco. Header on the far post. Youm saves everything, anticipating Calafiori by a step from a more decisive height. Twenty-ninth, Italy still close to 2-0. Scambio, Politano, Barella. Soft touch in the center for Ken's spectacular backheel. A breath at the side. A clockwise turn and Italy gets its well-deserved double. Tonali launches Ken into the air. Control with the right foot and an unstoppable left-footed finish by Charles. Twelfth goal, blue jersey for the Fiorentina striker. After three minutes of added time, the final whistle blows. Italy beats Northern Ireland 2-0. Tuesday, March 31, the decisive challenge against Bosnia to secure World Cup qualification.