Italy Player Ratings vs Northern Ireland: Tonali Inspires Azzurri to Crucial Win | OneFootball

Italy secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final with a hard-earned 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Atalanta’s New Balance Arena. Despite a clear-cut margin, it was far from a straightforward win for the four-time world champions. 

After back-to-back playoff eliminations, Italy had hoped to turn the corner against FIFA’s 69th-ranked nation. However, the Azzurri produced an underwhelming first-half performance despite boasting 71% possession. Gennaro Gattuso’s side made 11 shots on goal but failed to put Pierce Charles to the test.

Seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1986, Michael O’Neill’s near-anonymous squad gave Italy a run for their money in the opening 45 minutes. However, Sandro Tonali put the home side in front early in the second half with another screamer, putting the Italians in firm control of the game.

After wasting several decent chances, Fiorentina talisman Moise Kean doubled Italy’s lead in the 80th minute, putting this semi-final tie beyond doubt.

Italy (3-5-2)

Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6/10

With Northern Ireland unable to do anything in the final third, the Manchester City superstar had a comfortable evening, having only had to make one routine save.

Riccardo Calafiori – 7/10

Despite only recently recovering from injury, the Arsenal defender held up his end of the bargain with relative ease, preventing the visitors from mustering a single clear-cut chance.

Alessandro Bastoni – 8/10

Unfazed by the constant boos from the stands, the 26-year-old center-back looked rock-solid and nearly came close to breaking the deadlock with a towering header toward the end of the first half.

Gianluca Mancini – 7/10

Although his reactions didn’t always inspire confidence, the Roma stalwart reduced mistakes as the match progressed, helping his side maintain defensive stability.

Matteo Politano – 5/10

Enjoyed plenty of possession but did very little to create clear scoring opportunities or make a decisive impact in the final third. His crosses were often off the mark.

Nicolo Barella – 6/10

Agile as ever, the diminutive midfielder emerged as Italy’s driving force in the engine room. However, he couldn’t provide the spark the Azzurri needed to break Northern Ireland’s low defensive block.

Manuel Locatelli – 6/10

It was a frustrating evening for the Juventus captain, who saw several of his feeble long-range shots either blocked or fail to hit the target.

Sandro Tonali – 9/10

Apart from an unsuccessful attempt to tap the ball home from point-blank range at the start of the game, the Newcastle United star had very little impact on proceedings until breaking the deadlock with a stunning half-volley.

Federico Dimarco – 7/10

Forced a superb save from Charles early on with a trademark left-footed shot from an acute angle. Gradually disappeared from the game.

Moise Kean – 8/10

Virtually invisible in the first half, the Fiorentina striker unleashed one wayward shot from the edge of the box out of pure frustration. Produced a much better shot at the start of the second half, but Charles denied him. However, he eventually found the net to seal the deal for the Azzurri.

Mateo Retegui – 6/10

Squandered Italy’s best chance in the opening 55 minutes. Playing in Saudi Arabia seems to be taking a toll on the former Atalanta center-forward.

Substitutes

Francesco Pio Esposito – 5/10

Federico Gatti – 7/10