Italy Finally won a match in the World Cup playoffs. Now the four-time champions need one more win to avoid failing to qualify for the third consecutive time.
Azuri Beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in the European semi-finals on Thursday.
Sandro Tonali Breaks the deadlock with a half-volley early in the second half for Italy at home in Bergamo and then scores another goal for them moise keane.
“We cleared our heads after taking the lead,” Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said. “We performed well. It should be a confidence boost for Tuesday.”
“We have to win. We have no other choice.”
Poland, Sweden, Turkey, Kosovo and more were advancing to the playoff final scheduled for Tuesday. denmark In regular time. Czechia defeated Ireland on penalties to advance, while Wales lost in a shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina, who would be Italy’s next opponent in the final.
The other final matchups are: Sweden vs. poland; Türkiye vs. Kosovo; And denmark versus Czechia.
With another win, Italy will head into the upcoming tournament in North America to avoid missing out on a third consecutive World Cup.
Italy were eliminated by Sweden in the 2018 World Cup playoffs after going without two wins, then lost to North Macedonia in the semi-final round in 2022.
Italy’s World Cup struggles lasted through 2010 and 2014, failing to progress beyond their group on both occasions.
Azzurri’s In the last World Cup knockout match in 2006, they won the title by defeating France In the penalty shootout.
Italy took seven shots on goal while Northern Ireland took none.
For Italy’s second goal, Tonali’s cross-field pass set up Keane, who produced an expert control and finish.
“We didn’t have many moments of quality, but when we had them we did well to make the most of them,” Tonali said. “We focused on not telling them their strengths and focused on set plays, so when we do that, it’s unlikely we’ll concede to a team like that.
“We have been feeling positive since the coach arrived, we have to continue like this, there is no other option but to win,” Tonali said of Gattuso, who replaced Luciano Spalletti after being fired in June.
Victor Gyokres Scored a hat-trick to beat Sweden ukraine 3-1 despite not scoring for his country since 2024. As of Thursday, Gyöckeres was scoreless and Sweden was winless in a miserable qualifying group campaign.
the game was played spain Because Ukraine has not hosted international games since the Russian invasion in 2022.
Sweden will face poland after 37 years of age Robert Lewandowski Scored a vital header in a 2-1 win albaniakeep alive barcelona The striker bids to reach a third World Cup.
Albania took the lead arbor hoxha After a defensive mistake by Poland just before halftime. Lewandowski’s header from a corner brought his team back into the game, before Piotr Zielinski’s goal put Poland ahead.
Kosovo are one game away from their first World Cup after twice recovering from a goal down slovakia 4-3. This set up a playoff with Turkey for a World Cup spot.
gustav isaksen Scored twice in two minutes in Denmark’s 4–0 win over North Macedonia.
Earlier on Thursday, Late. turkiye Beat romania 1-0 and will face Kosovo for their first World Cup berth since finishing third in 2002.
Turkiye took the lead immediately after the break ferdi kadioglu was set up in front of goal with a long, accurate pass from Arda GulerA 21 year old winger for real Madrid Who can become one of the young players of the World Cup.
Romania’s exit means 80-year-old Mircea Lucescu will not get a chance to coach in the World Cup for the first time. Lucescu captained Romania at the 1970 World Cup.
Nikolay Stanciu Hit the post for Romania in the second half.
“We knew it would be a difficult match. Lucescu knows us well and is preparing accordingly,” the Turkey captain said. Hakan Shalhanoglu Said. “In the first half, we could have made better runs from the back. In the second half, Ferdi scored with a ball from the back and the score became 1-0. From then on, it became ours.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
