
World Cup – European classification
7:45 p.mMarch 26, 2026
semi-finals
New Balance Arena
Referee: Danny Makkelie, Netherlands


Italy


Northern Ireland
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.00
Expected Goals (xG)
0.00
Passing by
420 (84%)
Accurate passes
221 (76%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Gianluigi Donnarumma (C)
7.0
13
d
Riccardo Calafiori
7.7
d
Alessandro Bastoni
23
d
Gianluca Mancini
7.2
3
M
Federico Dimarco
7.9
M
Sandro Tonali
56′
5
M
Manuel Locatelli
7.3
18
M
Nicolò Barella
6.3
7
M
Matteo Politano
6.7
9
F
Mateu Retegui
6.7
trainer
Ivan Gennaro Gattuso
23
G
Pierce Charles
7.2
20
d
Brodie Spencer
7.2
13
d
Ruairi McConville
7.0
17
d
Paddy McNair
7.0
5
d
Trai Hume (C)
7.3
2
d
Terry Devlin
6.9
14
M
Isaac Price
6.6
7
M
Ethan Galbraith
6.6
19
M
Shea Charles
7.2
15
M
Justin Devenny
6.3
10
F
Jamie Donley
6.3
Substitutes
8
F
Callum Marshall
16
M
Bradley Lyons
9
M
Patrick Kelly
6
M
George Saville
22
d
Ciaron Brown
4
d
Tom Atcheson
3
d
Joan Toal
12
G
Conor Hazard
1
G
Bailey Peacock-Farrell
F
Josh Magennis
F
Jamie Reid
F
Paul Smith
trainer
Michael Andrew Martin O’Neill

World Cup – Classification Europe – Group I
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 qualifying campaign with a professional 2-0 win over Northern Ireland on 26 March 2026. Midfield maestro Sandro Tonali and striker Moise Kean scored the goals at the New Balance Arena, securing three vital points for the Azzurri.
In this match, Italy finished second in their qualifying group and needed a win to keep the pressure on the leaders. Third-placed Northern Ireland were looking to pull off an upset and keep their own qualification aspirations alive against a formidable Italian side.
The home side secured control straight away, dominating possession from the opening whistle. Italy’s midfield dictated play, orchestrating attacks down both flanks as they looked for an early lead.
Despite relentless pressure from Italy, Northern Ireland’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Pierce Charles proved to be a major barrier, making several crucial saves to deny the Azzurri in the first half.
The Italian forwards launched numerous shots, but accuracy often eluded them in the final third. The first half ended goalless and left the disciplined Northern Irish team satisfied 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 breakthrough finally came in the 56th minute. Sandro Tonali, who orchestrated much of Italy’s play, powered home the opening goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Just two minutes later, Italy’s Alessandro Bastoni was booked for a hard tackle. Manager Roberto Mancini made tactical changes, bringing on 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 replaced Josh Reid, looking for an equaliser.
However, Italy secured their victory 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 just 1 on target. Pierce Charles made 5 saves for the visitors, bolstering their defensive effort.
This win significantly strengthens Italy’s position in their World Cup qualifying group, putting them on course for the finals. Northern Ireland face an increasingly difficult road to progress after this challenging away game.

