Italien hat einen großen Schritt in Richtung WM-Teilnahme gemacht. Das Team von Trainer Gennaro Gattuso besiegte Außenseiter Nordirland und steht im Finale der Playoffs in der WM-Qualifikation.
Die große Blamage verhindert, die WM weiter im Blick: Italien hat sich mit einem verdienten 2:0 (0:0) gegen Nordirland im Halbfinal-Playoff der WM-Qualifikation die Chance auf das Weltturnier in Kanada, USA und Mexiko im Sommer bewahrt.
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for Italy in the 56th minute, with Moise Keane adding a second in the 80th minute.
High Stakes for Italy
“This is the most important game since I became coach,” said Italy’s national coach Gennaro Gattuso before the game against the Northern Irish. The pressure on the former world-class player was enormous, as a defeat would have meant the third failure in WM qualification in a row.
Resilient Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland team proved to be an extremely unpleasant, tough, and defensive opponent. Italy struggled to find gaps in the opposing defense.
Tonali’s Decisive Goal
Tonali’s shot from 16 meters broke the deadlock, bringing jubilation to the Italian side.
Keane then increased the lead, securing the 2-0 victory.
Italy will now face Bosnia in the decisive match.
