Northern Ireland's World Cup dream over on night of pride but pain in Italy

Having won their Nations League group in 2024, Michael O’Neill’s side put themselves just two matches away from ending the nation’s 40-year World Cup wait – but were handed the most difficult draw possible.

Four-time champions Italy were feeling the weight of expectation after missing out on qualifying for the last two editions and Northern Ireland took the occasion in their stride against a team sitting 57 places higher in FIFA’s world rankings.

In the absence of key duo Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard, the majority of Northern Ireland’s side was made up of players plying their trade in the Championship while the opposition’s star-studded squad included a host of Premier League and Serie A talent.

It was Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali’s powerful second half finish which put the Italians ahead before former Juventus striker Moise Kean ensured progression, sending his side through to a decider on Tuesday.

Pre-match, O’Neill declared that his squad were ahead of schedule after a forced rebuild following retirements of several key players, and another positive showing against one of world football’s powerhouses will only instil further belief ahead of a run at the 2028 Euros.

With eight of Northern Ireland’s starting line-up aged 22 or under, O’Neill placed full faith in youth – 22-year-old Terry Devlin was drafted in to replace Bradley and 20-year-old Ruairi McConville filled the void left by Ballard.

As expected, the hosts came roaring out of the traps and put Northern Ireland under early pressure with Federico Dimarco’s powerful shot saved by Pierce Charles before Trai Hume nipped in to deny Tonali from close range.

Gennaro Gattuso spoke about Northern Ireland’s set-piece prowess in his pre-match press conference and Justin Devenny’s corner, which just evaded McConville, acted as an early warning.

Northern Ireland launched a promising attack after 20 minutes when Ethan Galbraith broke free from midfield, but rather than sliding in Isaac Price, the former Manchester United youngster opted to shoot with his attempt blocked.

Charles was forced into another save on the stroke of half-time, denying Mateo Retegui – the Italian striker returning to his former home after completing a €65 million summer transfer from Atalanta to Saudi Arabia.

While Italy retained the majority of possession, O’Neill’s men looked comfortable and were defensively disciplined – the back-three of Paddy McNair, Hume and McConville soaked up all first half pressure.

Northern Ireland picked up where they left off after the break with Hume trying his luck from distance before Price’s surging run was halted by Alessandro Bastoni – earning his side a free-kick and then corner.

Italy should have taken the lead after 53 minutes when Devlin’s attempted back pass was intercepted by Retegui, who bounded through one-on-one with Charles but a heavy touch allowed the brave goalkeeper to gather.

Seconds later, Charles was forced into action once again, getting down low to palm Kean’s powerful shot around the post.

The pressure would eventually tell in the 56th minute when Price’s headed clearance landed with Tonali and the midfielder blasted home.

Northern Ireland were almost gifted a lifeline by Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who misplaced a pass into Jamie Donley’s path – however, the striker couldn’t control and punish.

Hume’s instinctive header denied an almost certain Italian second as he took the ball away from Riccardo Calafiori in the nick of time.

Northern Ireland’s hopes were extinguished with 10 minutes left to play when Kean weaved his way inside before launching a shot in past Charles via the post.

Rather than facing a play-off final on Tuesday night, Northern Ireland will instead travel to either Bosnia & Herzegovina or Wales for a friendly.