Bergamo, 27 March (H.S.):

Four‑time world champions Italy have edged closer to a return to the FIFA World Cup after beating Northern Ireland 2-0 in the 2026 playoff semi‑final. The victory puts Italy just one step away from a first World Cup appearance since 2014, keeping alive hopes of a comeback on football’s biggest stage.

The first half ended goalless as both teams struggled to create clear chances, but the Italians turned up the intensity after the break. In the 56th minute, midfielder Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock with a powerful strike from outside the box. Reacting quickly to a cleared cross, he took the ball on the full and blasted it one‑time into the lower corner of the net, leaving the Northern Irish goalkeeper with no chance.

The second goal came in the 80th minute, when forward Moise Kean cut through the defence after a slick pass from Tonali. Kean nut‑megged a defender and then slotted a low, precise shot past the goalkeeper to seal a comfortable 2-0 outcome.

The win highlighted Italy’s growing cohesion in these play‑off rounds, as they controlled large parts of the game in midfield and converted chances when they mattered most.

Italy will now face the winner of the other semi‑final between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final. That match will be decisive, with a ticket to the 2026 World Cup—co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico in June and July—on the line. For Italy, the dream of playing at the World Cup again is closer than it has been in over a decade.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar