Northern Ireland lost 2-0 to Italy in the play-off semi-finals, ending their World Cup dreams.
Michael O’Neill’s side were aiming to qualify for their first World Cup since 1986, but second-half strikes from Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and former Everton striker Moise Kean dashed their hopes in a huge setback for the four-time winners at home.
Italy remain under huge pressure to qualify after failing in their previous two attempts and will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday with a bid to qualify for this summer’s tournament.
Northern Ireland held off an early Italian attack in Bergamo and held out until half-time when a cross hit the left post, but Piers Charles made a good save from Federico Dimarco in the 10th minute.
Ethan Galbraith led a rare moment for Northern Ireland on the counter-attack, but his deflected shot was comfortably saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma when a pass to Isaac Price would have been the better option.
Italy rewarded their pressure at the start of the second half with Charles saving low to Keane’s right after Matteo Letegui squandered a chance with a clean through.
Price’s poor headed clearance fell perfectly on the edge of the box for Tonali, who had missed the derby against Sunderland and was returning from injury, to score the opening goal into the right corner.
Italy showed no signs of relinquishing their lead from then on, and Northern Ireland attacked relentlessly. Charles saved again from Keane, who took an overhead kick wide, but his tenacity paid off as he controlled a high ball inside the area and smashed it into the left-hand post to seal the win.
O’Neill: This young team has taken a step forward.
Northern Ireland coach Michael O’Neill:
“I can’t ask for more from the players. In the first half our game plan worked very well and Italy struggled to create chances. In the second half we had some tense moments in front of the opponent’s goal. (Sandro) Tonali had a great shot and it was certainly more difficult to play down 1-0.”
“There is courage and energy in this team. We are very proud as we are a very young team with an average age of around 22 years old. This game will be important for the rest of their careers. Regardless of the result, we have taken a step forward in the progress of this team. There are certainly a lot of positives for our country to play against a team of that age.”
“If you look back at the game and the season as a whole, there are a lot of things to be positive about. The team is improving well. Pearce (Charles) is only 20 years old, but he was great. He has a great temperament for his age. A lot of players put in great performances, but Pearce played very strong.”
‘Northern Ireland stands down with pride’
Sky Sports News’ Jamie Weir at New Balance Arena:
“Understandably, the Northern Ireland players looked devastated when the final whistle rang. There was a lot to be proud of in that performance and this is a young team at the beginning of their journey together, but it will still be heartbreaking.”
“The Green and White Corps, who were on the move, cheered loudly as they went to applaud the players.
“It remains to be seen whether next week’s friendly against Wales will be Michael O’Neill’s last game as head coach.”
