The Italy national team defeated Northern Ireland 2:0 in Bergamo. Before the break, the favorites struggled, but then Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean decided the outcome of the match.
Italy searched for chances for a long time
Italy controlled the initiative from the first minutes and attacked активно through the flanks. At the same time, the visitors defended compactly and made almost no mistakes. Federico Dimarco, Alessandro Bastoni and Kean created pressure, but Bailey Peacock-Farrell kept a clean sheet.
Northern Ireland responded rarely, but dangerously from set pieces. Moreover, the hosts at times faced familiar finishing problems. Therefore, the first half ended goalless.
Tonali changed the game
After the break, Italy increased the tempo and more often delivered balls into the penalty area. First, Kean struck dangerously along the ground, and then the hosts finally found their chance. In the 59th minute, after a clearance from the box, Tonali adjusted to the ball and struck first-time into the corner. Peacock-Farrell could not save it.
The visitors tried to respond, but Italy did not give up control. Gennaro Gattuso’s team calmly kept possession and did not allow the opponent to build pressure.
Kean secured the win
In the 81st minute, Italy scored a second goal. After a switch to the right side of the penalty area, Kean controlled the ball, beat the defender and accurately struck into the corner. The ball went in off the post. This goal окончательно removed any doubt about the winner.
In the closing stages, Northern Ireland pushed forward and earned several set pieces, but Gianluigi Donnarumma and the defense handled them calmly.
Next, Gattuso’s team will wait for the winner of the match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Match summary:
Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2:0;
the first half ended without goals;
Tonali opened the scoring in the 59th minute;
Kean doubled the lead in the 81st minute;
Gattuso’s team secured the win after the break;
Northern Ireland failed to convert set pieces late in the game;
the next opponent will be decided in the Wales — Bosnia and Herzegovina match.
