Match ends

Italy defeats Northern Ireland 2–0 and awaits the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia.

Goal for Italy, the second one 

80' Great pass from Tonali to Moise Kean, who cuts inside in the box and finishes.

Goal for Italy!

55' Tonali capitalizes on a poor clearance by the defense and strikes with his right foot to make it 1–0.

Halftime at Atalanta's home ground.

Italy has made attempts, but remains scoreless against Northern Ireland.

What happens if Italy and Ireland draw?

If the match ends in a draw, there will be extra time and penalties.

This is how Italy took the field to face Northern Ireland

The match kicks off in Bergamo

Italy and Ireland face off in the UEFA Playoff Semifinals.

The UEFA playoffs for the 2026 World Cup are underway, and one of the standout clashes features Italy against Northern Ireland in Bergamo.

Both teams are fighting for a place in the tournament and one of the remaining European spots.

Who would Italy face if they advance?

If Italy win, Gennaro Gattuso’s side will face the winner of Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, played in Cardiff.

The final is scheduled for March 31, where one of UEFA’s remaining World Cup spots will be decided.

How Italy and Northern Ireland arrive

Italy come into the match under pressure after failing to overcome Erling Haaland’s Norway and missing the last two World Cups.

Northern Ireland finished third in their qualifying group and have not appeared in a World Cup since Mexico 1986.

UEFA playoff paths to World Cup 2026

Path A

• Wales vs Bosnia
• Italy vs Northern Ireland

Path B

• Ukraine vs Sweden
• Poland vs Albania

Path C

• Turkey vs Romania
• Slovakia vs Kosovo

Path D

• Denmark vs North Macedonia
• Czech Republic vs Ireland

Possible lineups for Italy vs Northern Ireland

Italy:
Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui

Northern Ireland:
Pierce Charles; Hume, McNair, McConville; Spencer, McCann, Shea Charles, Devenny; Galbraith, Price; Donley

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