Italy*
Northern IrelandHow did the teams perform?
Italy
Northern Ireland
Match Stats
Lineup
Italy
58' Roughing
56'
80'
80'
88' Replaced by M. Kean
83' Replaced by S. Tonali
83' Replaced by M. Politano
64' Replaced by M. Retegui
63' Replaced by A. Bastoni
Northern Ireland
79' Replaced by J. Donley
79' Replaced by B. Spencer
68' Replaced by T. Devlin
World Cup - Qualification Europe Standings - Group I
| Pos | Team | MP | +/- | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Norway | 8 | 37-5 | 32 | 24 |
| 2 | Italy | 8 | 21-12 | 9 | 18 |
| 3 |  Israel | 8 | 19-20 | -1 | 12 |
| 4 |  Estonia | 8 | 8-21 | -13 | 4 |
| 5 |  Moldova | 8 | 5-32 | -27 | 1 |
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion - World Cup
- Promotion - World Cup (Promotion: )
Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0, securing crucial World Cup Qualification points thanks to second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Italy continued their strong World Cup qualification campaign with a professional 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland on March 26, 2026. Midfield maestro Sandro Tonali and striker Moise Kean provided the goals at the New Balance Arena, ensuring a vital three points for the Azzurri.
Coming into this match, Italy sat second in their qualification group, needing a win to maintain pressure on the leaders. Northern Ireland, positioned third, aimed to pull off an upset and keep their own qualification aspirations alive against a formidable Italian side.
The home side immediately asserted control, dominating possession from the opening whistle. Italy’s midfield dictated play, orchestrating attacks down both flanks as they searched for an early advantage.
Despite Italy’s relentless pressure, Northern Ireland’s defense stood firm. Goalkeeper Pierce Charles proved to be a significant barrier, making several crucial saves to deny the Azzurri throughout the first half.
Italy’s forwards launched numerous shots, but precision often eluded them in the final third. The first half concluded without a goal, leaving the disciplined Northern Irish side content with their defensive resilience.
At the interval, Italy needed to find a more clinical edge. The task was to convert their overwhelming possession and chances into tangible goals against a compact and organized opposition.
The decisive breakthrough finally arrived in the 56th minute. Sandro Tonali, orchestrating much of Italy’s play, powered home the opening goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Just two minutes later, Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni received a yellow card for a robust challenge. Manager Roberto Mancini then made tactical changes, introducing Federico Gatti for Bastoni in the 63rd minute and Mateo Retegui for Federico Esposito a minute later.
Northern Ireland responded with substitutions, bringing on Trai Devlin for Paddy Smyth in the 68th minute. Later, in the 79th minute, Jay Donley replaced Jordan Magennis, and Brodie Spencer came on for Josh Reid, seeking an equalizer.
However, Italy secured their win in the 80th minute. Moise Kean finished expertly after receiving a precise pass from the influential Sandro Tonali, doubling Italy’s lead and sealing the result.
The statistics highlighted Italy’s control, with 64% ball possession and 19 total shots, 8 of which were on target. Northern Ireland managed just 5 shots, with only 1 on target. Pierce Charles made 5 saves for the visitors, underpinning their defensive effort.
This victory significantly strengthens Italy’s position in their World Cup qualification group, putting them firmly on track for the finals. Northern Ireland faces an increasingly difficult path to advance after this challenging away fixture.
