Palestra will remember Italy debut ‘for the rest of my life’ | OneFootball

Marco Palestra made his senior Italy debut in a 2-0 World Cup play-off win over Northern Ireland. ‘I’ll remember this for the rest of my life.’

The Azzurri took a while to break through the Northern Ireland defence in Bergamo, eventually getting there with Sandro Tonali’s strike from the edge of the area.

Tonali then set up Moise Kean to seal the 2-0 result, sending them through to the play-off final.

It was also a special day because Palestra came off the bench in the last few minutes for his senior Italy debut.

Palestra makes Italy debut at age 21

CAGLIARI, ITALY – JANUARY 02: Marco Palestra of Cagliari looks on before the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and AC Milan at Stadio Sant’Elia on January 02, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)

“This was a unique experience, especially because we won on my debut, so I’ll remember this for the rest of my life,” Palestra told RAI Sport.

It was even more special because he is a product of the Atalanta youth academy and still owned by the club, on loan to Cagliari, so debuted in his home stadium.

“I spent many years in Bergamo, so I am even happier because it was here. Training with players like this and Gennaro Gattuso as a coach is certainly remarkable, we’ve got to keep going like this.”

The play-off final will be away to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday March 31 for a place at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and USA.

“We have to feel confident, we know that we are up against a strong opponent, but also know what our quality is. If we play our game the way we can, then we will go through.”