Gennaro Gattuso admits ‘it was a struggle’ for Italy to beat Northern Ireland 2-0, but ‘now we go together into this final’ of the World Cup play-offs.
The pressure was immense going into the semi-final in Bergamo, which only got worse as the clock ticked on with no breakthrough in sight.
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Sandro Tonali finally managed to give them the lead against Northern Ireland with a low strike from the edge of the area, then his assist was knocked down and drilled into the far bottom corner by Moise Kean for 2-0.
Gattuso relief at Italy victory
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“It was a struggle, this was not at all easy. They even surprised us, trying to make vertical passes, we could’ve done better,” Gattuso told RAI Sport.
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“There was concentration, Locatelli went too deep, we were not developing the play properly or the way we had prepared, but we did well, and it was not to be taken for granted.
“We were too slow, Locatelli was pushed back, but we moved the ball quicker after the break, and now we have to play the final.
“It’s difficult, we knew this game was tough too, so now we must try to recharge the batteries.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Moise Kean of Italy is challenged by Ruairi McConville of Northern Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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The Nazionale are only halfway there, because they will now have to face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final in Cardiff on Tuesday March 31.
That tie has gone to extra time, as Edin Dzeko cancelled out the Daniel James opener.
“The tension that we feel is the same that the other team feels. Obviously, those are two very different teams and different atmospheres await us, but we want to enjoy this moment now,” added Gattuso.
“We thank the fans of Bergamo once again, I heard very few jeers, we went into the locker room at half-time to applause. I thank the people of Bergamo and now we go together into this final.”
