World Cup Qualification UEFA news

The first step towards World Cup qualification has been taken. Nevertheless, the pressure on the Italian national team is immense.

It was a night of equal misfortune for Wales and the Republic of Ireland, who were eliminated from World Cup qualifying. Both teams lost leads in the final minutes before losing painful penalty shootouts to Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czechia, respectively.

Italy moved within one match of ending their long World Cup absence with a composed 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in their playoff semifinal, as Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean proved decisive. For a side still carrying the weight of missing the last two tournaments, this was less about flair and more about control. And, for long stretches, Italy had both.

Viktor Gyokeres was the hero for Sweden on Thursday night as the Arsenal forward's clinical hat-trick secured a 3-1 victory over Ukraine. The result keeps Sweden's dreams of reaching the 2026 World Cup alive, setting up a winner-takes-all play-off showdown with Poland.

The Azzurri’s celebrations were broadcast by Rai.

The opposing manager’s comments.

The midfielder speaks after the victory against Northern Ireland

The Newcastle midfielder's comments on Italy's victory.

Kean's comments after the match against Northern Ireland.

The Italy manager's comments following the victory over Northern Ireland.

An analysis of the match played by the Azzurri.

The ratings for the match played by the Azzurri.

Bad news is coming from the national teams for the Nerazzurri.

The Inter defender received a warm welcome ahead of the play-off against Northern Ireland.

Inter’s number 20 was substituted in the closing stages of the playoff semi-final won by Turkey.

The manager speaks just a few hours before the match in Bergamo

The words of the young Italian striker during half-time in the Italy Under-21 match.