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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Ian Parker

Premier League stars past and present help Italy overcome young Northern Ireland side

  • Northern Ireland's aspirations of reaching the World Cup were dashed after a 2-0 defeat to Italy in their qualifying play-off semi-final in Bergamo.
  • Italy secured their victory with second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean, moving them within one win of World Cup qualification.
  • Sandro Tonali opened the scoring in the 56th minute, capitalising on a defensive error from Isaac Price.
  • Moise Kean sealed the win for Italy ten minutes from time with a left-footed strike that found the net via the post.
  • Michael O’Neill’s youthful Northern Ireland side, featuring an average age of 22.5, battled valiantly but struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.

IN FULL

Valiant Northern Ireland have World Cup dreams shattered by Italy

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