Italy, at last, secured a triumph in the World Cup elimination rounds. Now, the quadruple title holder must clinch one more victory to avert a third consecutive failure to qualify.
The Azzurri overcame Northern Ireland with a 2-0 scoreline in the European semi-finals on Thursday.
Sandro Tonali, playing on home soil in Bergamo, opened the scoring for Italy with a half-volley early in the second period, subsequently assisting Moise Kean for a second goal.
Sweden, Türkiye, Kosovo, and Denmark also secured their progression to the decisive playoff matches, which are slated for Tuesday.
Italy’s next challenge involves an away fixture against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. To qualify for the impending North American tournament and avert a minimum 16-year absence from competing in the sport’s grandest event, another victory is paramount.
For the 2018 World Cup, Italy suffered elimination at the hands of Sweden, failing to secure a win across two legs of their playoff tie. Subsequently, in 2022, they were unexpectedly defeated by North Macedonia during the semifinal phase.
The difficulties faced by Italy in the World Cup extend as far back as 2010 and 2014, when they were unable to progress past the group stage in either competition.
The Azzurri’s most recent World Cup knockout stage encounter was their 2006 final, where they secured the championship by overcoming France in a penalty shootout.
Previously on Thursday, Türkiye triumphed over Romania with a 1-0 scoreline. They are now poised to contend with either Slovakia or Kosovo, aiming to secure a berth in their inaugural World Cup since their third-place performance in 2002.
Türkiye seized the advantage soon after halftime. Ferdi Kadioglu found himself in a prime scoring position courtesy of a precise, extended delivery from Arda Güler, Real Madrid’s 21-year-old winger, who is a potential emergent star of the global championship.
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The Türkiye contingent, under the management of Vincenzo Montella, had previously advanced to the quarter-final stage of the 2024 European Championship.
Romania’s exit from the competition signifies that 80-year-old Mircea Lucescu will miss the opportunity to manage at the World Cup for the first time. Notably, Lucescu had previously captained Romania at the 1970 World Cup.
Nicolae Stanciu, for Romania, struck the upright during the latter period.
“We were aware it would be an arduous encounter. Lucescu understands our tactics well and strategized appropriately,” remarked Türkiye’s captain, Hakan Çalhanoglu. He continued, “During the initial half, we could have executed more effective off-the-ball movements. However, in the second period, Ferdi netted from a through pass, establishing a 1-0 lead. From that point, we maintained command.”
This article received contributions from The Associated Press.