Italy kept their hopes of ending a 12-year absence from the World Cup alive with a hard-fought 2–0 win over Northern Ireland, while Sweden advanced in style thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres.
Second-half goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean settled a tense play-off semi-final in Bergamo on 26 March, sending Italy into the final round of qualifying.
In a cagey contest, chances were limited before Tonali broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Kean then sealed the result 10 minutes from time with a composed finish.
Coached by Gennaro Gattuso, Italy struggled to break down a disciplined Northern Ireland side organised by Michael O’Neill. The visitors defended resolutely, with goalkeeper Pierce Charles making several key saves.
Italy, who missed the last two World Cups, will now face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final.
In Valencia, Sweden secured a commanding 3–1 win over Ukraine, with Gyökeres delivering a clinical performance.
The striker opened the scoring inside six minutes and doubled the lead early in the second half. He then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Matvii Ponomarenko pulled one back late on, but it proved only a consolation.
Managed by Graham Potter, Sweden will now host Poland in Stockholm for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
