“It wasn’t an easy match, we expected it, but my team was very brave and we hold this final, that’s the most important thing. It will be difficult, but we will think about that match tomorrow,” said Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso after his team’s decisive win.
Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-finals of the European World Cup qualifiers, showcasing their determination to return to the global stage after missing the last three tournaments. The match took place at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, where Italy dominated possession with 70%.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for Italy in the 56th minute, followed by a second goal from Moise Kean in the 80th minute, sealing the victory and ensuring their place in the final against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Reflecting on the match, Tonali noted, “We struggled in the first half against a very physical team; we were quite nervous, but we managed to capitalize on our chances, and after the first goal, we expressed ourselves better.”
This victory is particularly significant for Italy, as they have not participated in a World Cup since 2014, missing out on the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Northern Ireland, on the other hand, last qualified in 1986.
Gattuso, who took over as coach in June 2025, has revitalized the team, leading them to this critical juncture in the qualifiers. The upcoming final against Bosnia-Herzegovina will be crucial for Italy’s ambitions to return to the World Cup.
As the team prepares for the final, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and hope. Fans are eager to see if Italy can reclaim its place among the world’s elite football nations.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact date and location of the final match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but it is expected to be a highly competitive encounter.