Italy's national team lived up to the pressure and took a firm step towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Northern Ireland 2-0 in the European playoff. In a high-tension match, the Azzurra resolved matters with authority thanks to two spectacular goals that made the difference and prevented any surprise from a rival that opted for a defensive approach. Tonali opens the path with a world-class shot The first blow came in the second half, when Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock with a moment of great quality. The midfielder appeared on the edge of the area and unleashed a powerful and well-placed shot that left the goalkeeper with no chance. The obligation to win weighed heavily, especially given the team's recent history in qualifiers. Italy is one match away from the World Cup. With this victory, the Azzurra remains in the fight for a World Cup ticket and avoids a new stumble that would have been a historic blow. Northern Ireland, for its part, competed with order but lacked the punch to seriously trouble the Italian side. The next step, getting ever closer Italy will now focus on the next playoff match, where they will define their final qualification. A goal that not only opened the score but also released the pressure that Italy had been carrying after a closed first half. The goal reflected what the match was like: Italian dominance, but with difficulties to convert… until that moment. Kean seals it with a powerful finish When Northern Ireland tried to react, the second decisive blow arrived. Moise Kean sealed the 2-0 with a play that combined power and precision, finishing with authority to sentence the match in the final stretch. The goal finally snuffed out any attempt at a comeback and confirmed the Italian team's superiority at the key moment. Italy delivers and stays alive Beyond the result, Italy showed solidity and character in a match where there was no room for error. The goal is clear: to return to a World Cup and leave behind recent absences. UEFA Playoff Results Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland Turkey 1-0 Romania Ukraine 1-3 Sweden Poland 2-1 Albania Slovakia 3-4 Kosovo Denmark 4-0 Macedonia Wales 1 (2)-1 (4) Bosnia and Herzegovina Czech Rep. 2 (4) -2 (3) Republic of Ireland
