Italy faces Northern Ireland on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Bergamo in a crucial European playoff semi-final for the 2026 World Cup. The single-match encounter represents immense pressure for the Azzurra, who seek to avoid a third consecutive World Cup absence after failing to qualify in 2018 and 2022. The match began, with Italy immediately attacking. DiMarco made a dangerous shot, but the goalkeeper managed to clear the ball. In the 7th minute, Tonali couldn't shoot from the goal line as Italy dominated and cornered their opponent. In the 14th minute, Northern Ireland had a goal opportunity, but the attacker failed to reach the ball. In the 16th minute, Italy's defense didn't complicate things, with the team getting ever closer to victory. In the 21st minute, Donnaruma controlled a dangerous shot to keep the score level. Italy advanced to the final group. In the 27th minute, the first whistles were heard in Bergamo. The ball was cleared to the sides to end the danger. In the 33rd minute, Bastoni headed the ball, but it was deflected. Tonali opened the scoring with a shot from the edge of the area. In the 43rd minute, the score remained unchanged. The match was even. In the 45th minute, Retegui ended with a weak shot on goal. This was the last play of the first half. In the 46th minute, the second half began. One minute of added time will be played. In the 49th minute, another Italian shot. Italy came out all out to seek victory. In the 51st minute, Tonali's foul and a dangerous free kick for Northern Ireland. In the 52nd minute, a corner for Northern Ireland. In the 54th minute, Charles shone huge by saving a shot from Kean. In the 55th minute, Retegui just missed Italy's clearest chance. Italy isn't suffering, but has lost freshness up front. In the 56th minute, a yellow card for Bastoni. In the 57th minute, Italy 1-0 Northern Ireland. GOAL! This time it was Calafiori, but he arrived without danger to the goal. In the 63rd minute, changes in Italy. The Azzurra took control of the match. In the 66th minute, changes in Northern Ireland. Italy cannot score the first goal. In the 75th minute, 15 minutes left in the match. Italy achieves a good victory over Northern Ireland. In the 80th minute, Kean sentenced the match. Only in front of the goalkeeper, but he had a bad ball control. In the 90th minute, the referee adds three minutes. Terry Devlin comes on for Paul Smyth. The forward controlled the ball, got rid of a defender, and elegantly finished to the left post. Bastoni and Retegui come out.
