{"id":15498,"date":"2026-03-27T10:52:01","date_gmt":"2026-03-27T07:52:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=15498"},"modified":"2026-03-27T10:52:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T07:52:02","slug":"italy-2-0-northern-ireland-tonali-shines-as-azzurri-edge-closer-to-world-cup-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/football-news\/italy-2-0-northern-ireland-tonali-shines-as-azzurri-edge-closer-to-world-cup-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland: Tonali Shines as Azzurri Edge Closer to World Cup Return"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Italy took a major step towards ending its long FIFA World Cup absence with a composed 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Bergamo. Midfield maestro Sandro Tonali<\/strong> delivered a standout performance, scoring once and assisting another to keep the Azzurri\u2019s dream alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After missing out on the last two World Cups, Italy showed hunger, composure, and control\u2014qualities that suggest a return to the global stage could finally be within reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast Start but Frustration Before the Break<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Azzurri began brightly, driven by a passionate home crowd. Federico Dimarco nearly opened the scoring early on, forcing a sharp save from goalkeeper Pierce Charles. Tonali also came close, but Northern Ireland\u2019s defense stood firm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite Italy\u2019s early dominance, Northern Ireland settled into the game. Their disciplined defensive shape frustrated the hosts, limiting clear-cut chances. Alessandro Bastoni and Mateo Retegui both tested Charles, but the visitors held strong, heading into halftime level at 0-0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Second-Half Breakthrough Sparks Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Italy returned from the break with renewed intensity. A defensive error from Northern Ireland almost gifted Retegui a goal, but a quick defensive recovery kept the scoreline intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 56th minute. A loose clearance fell kindly to Tonali, who struck a powerful low shot into the net\u2014sending the Bergamo crowd into celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That goal shifted momentum fully in Italy\u2019s favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kean Seals the Victory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As Northern Ireland struggled to respond, Italy pushed for a second goal. Moise Kean, lively throughout the second half, was eventually rewarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With 10 minutes remaining, Tonali turned provider, delivering a precise looping cross. Kean controlled it brilliantly before finishing clinically, sealing a deserved 2-0 win for the hosts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Italy
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Match Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n