Tonali Shines As Italy Beat Northern Ireland To Reach World Cup Playoff Final

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Italy moved one step closer to returning to the FIFA World Cup as Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean inspired a 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland at New Balance Arena, sending Italy into next Tuesday’s play-off final with momentum and reviving hopes of a first appearance at the tournament since 2014.

Tonali produced the key breakthrough on 56 minutes, drilling in from outside the penalty area after a loose defensive header, then turned provider for Kean in the 80th minute with a looping cross that Kean controlled calmly before firing a low left-footed shot in off the left post to secure a controlled and deserved win.

The impact of Italy’s forwards carried wider significance, as Kean extended a prolific run in national colours and Tonali built on improving form. Kean has now scored in each of the last five appearances for Italy, registering seven goals in that spell, and is the first Italy player to achieve such a streak since Salvatore Schillaci managed the feat in July 1990.

Tonali’s influence also continued to grow. The Newcastle United midfielder has now scored twice across Italy’s last five matches, matching the total from the first 26 appearances. Inter defender Federico Dimarco supported the attacking effort as well, finishing with team-leading tallies for chances created, four in total, and 16 crosses delivered from wide positions.

Underlying metrics highlighted Italy’s control of the contest. Italy produced 19 shots, eight on target, and posted an expected goals figure of 1.4. Northern Ireland managed eight attempts with an xG of just 0.41, underlining how effectively Italy restricted clear chances while steadily building pressure in the attacking third across both halves.

Earlier in the match, Italy found Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles difficult to beat. Mateo Retegui fired straight at Charles from inside the box just before half-time, while a deflected Riccardo Calafiori effort was taken cleanly. Terry Devlin’s misplaced backpass later sent Retegui through, but Charles and Brodie Spencer combined to deny Italy’s number nine again.

Kean had already drawn a fine save from Charles before Tonali’s opener arrived from Isaac Price’s headed clearance. After that strike, Italy controlled proceedings and saw out the game with composure, and the performance means Italy approach the World Cup play-off final on 31 March 2026 with confidence that Tonali, Kean and a solid supporting cast can finish the job.