In the European qualifying play-offs for the 2026 World Cup, Italy, playing at home, defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 thanks to goals from Tonali and Keane.

Four minutes into the match, Keane received a pass from Locatelli and shot from the penalty area, but his effort was blocked by an opposing player. In the fifth minute, Italy attacked from a corner kick, and Tonali rose to head the ball, but it went wide of the post.

In the 7th minute, Italy took another corner kick. Dimarco's shot in the ensuing scramble was saved by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Piers Charles. Dimarco's follow-up shot was also cleared. In the 16th minute, Keane's shot was thwarted by an opposing player as he controlled the ball in the penalty area.

In the 20th minute, Northern Ireland attempted a counter-attack. Shay Charles played a through ball from the center circle, and Galbraith followed up, dribbling into the edge of the penalty area before unleashing a long-range shot, but the ball was saved by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. In the 30th minute, Italy launched an attack. Retegui received the ball and fired a shot from inside the penalty area, but the ball was blocked by an opposing player.

In the 36th minute, Northern Ireland defender McNair delivered a cross from the wing, and McConnell's header went wide. In the 42nd minute, Dimarco took a corner, and Bastoni headed the ball, but it went over the post. In first-half stoppage time, Retegui received a pass from Locatelli and fired a shot, but the ball was intercepted by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Piers Charles.

In the 47th minute of the second half, Northern Ireland had a free kick opportunity, but Trey Hume's long-range shot went high. In the 50th minute, Italy's attack was cleared, and Carafiori received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball was caught by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Piers Charles.

In the 56th minute, Italy's attack was deflected by an opposing player, and Tonali unleashed a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, giving Italy a 1-0 lead. In the 58th minute, Bastoni pulled down Jamie Donley while contesting for the ball, and was therefore shown a yellow card by the referee.

In the 66th minute, Pio Esposito played a through ball to Keane, who then entered the penalty area and fired a low shot, but the angle was too straight and the ball was easily saved by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Piers Charles. In the 74th minute, Italy took a corner kick, and Pio Esposito's close-range header was cleared by an opposing player.

In the 80th minute, Tonali gained possession and chipped the ball into the penalty area. Keane controlled the ball, dribbled past the defender, and slotted it home, extending Italy's lead to 2-0.

Ultimately, Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 at home, successfully advancing to the playoff final.

Image source: Internet