Italian press relieved but cautious after Italy beat Northern Ireland, with Sandro Tonali hailed | OneFootball

The Italian press struck a relieved yet cautious tone after Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0, with Sandro Tonali scoring then creating in a much needed first step.

The World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday began awkwardly for Italy. Tonali broke through in the 56th minute, then supplied the second to settle it.

Corriere dello Sport led with relief, while Tuttosport urged the team on and Gazzetta dello Sport was upbeat. Coverage centred on Tonali, fist clenched after his opener.

Corriere della Sera called the contest a footballing ordeal and a relief, noting a nervy Italy before the break. La Repubblica said the Nazionale had shaken off its first nightmare, the paralysing memories of 2017 and 2022, and, like the others, named Tonali player of the match.

Gazzetta described Tonali as the saviour of Italian hopes, hardened by setbacks and sharpened by Premier League intensity. In his debrief, Fabio Capello lamented the sleepy first-half tempo, saying only Calafiori and Tonali injected rhythm, both Premier League players.

The hardest work lies ahead against Bosnia and the evergreen Edin Dzeko, familiar to Serie A. Caution still frames the mood.

Source: L'Équipe