Sport
World Cup play-offs: Italy beats Northern Ireland 2-0, now faces Bosnia in Zenica
After a slow first half and a livelier second, Tonali and Kean scored as Italy won 2-0 in Bergamo and earned a playoff final against Bosnia in Zenica.
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After a slow first half and a livelier second, Tonali and Kean scored as Italy won 2-0 in Bergamo and earned a playoff final against Bosnia in Zenica.
Northern Ireland coach Michael O'Neill praised Italy and Gennaro Gattuso but made it clear his young squad believes it can spoil Italy's path to the World Cup with a fearless performance.
Gennaro Gattuso named his Italy squad for the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland but left out five players, including injured striker Gianluca Scamacca. A few adjustments saw Marco Palestra added as cover on the right wing.
Legendary keeper Dino Zoff says Italy are stronger on paper than Northern Ireland, Wales and Bosnia, but in one-off playoff games confidence often beats quality.