Michael O’Neill could be proud of his Northern Ireland players after their hopes of reaching this summer’s World Cup ended in a 2-0 qualifying play-off semi-final loss away to Italy. Tonali’s goal – a powerful strike after Isaac Price was unable to clear a cross into the box – changed the mood inside the stadium completely as the tension lifted, and it was always going to be a big ask of Northern Ireland to recover. Sandro Tonali opens the scoring for Italy (Mike Egerton/PA)“I couldn’t ask any more from the players,” O’Neill said. Northern Ireland were aiming to reach their first World Cup since 1986 (Mike Egerton/PA)That is something Northern Ireland will look to build on when attention shifts to the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. “Northern Ireland surprised us,” he said.

Source: Irish Examiner March 27, 2026 01:12 UTC