Italy progressed to the World Cup play-off Final with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland, but fans on social media still have mixed feelings regarding the Azzurri’s performance on Thursday.
Goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean gave Italy a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal on Thursday, earning a ticket to the Final, to be played away at Bosnia and Herzegovina next Tuesday.
Tonali and Kean scored in the second half after Italy had failed to pose much of a threat to the Northern Ireland defence in the opening 45 minutes.
As coach Gennaro Gattuso admitted at full-time, the Azzurri were too predictable and “slow” in the first half, and the Nazionale will have to assess this in the coming days as they prepare for the final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The celebrations by Federico Dimarco and other Italian players following Bosnia’s win over Wales also drew the fans’ attention, who now hope the video doesn’t come back to haunt the national team in a few days.
Social media reactions to Italy 2-0 Northern Ireland
Took a peak at Italy’s starting lienup against Ireland. Lowkey Calafiori might be their most important attackerpic.twitter.com/ZJcLpKLnrE
— Wasi (@Wanalyst007) March 27, 2026
Blown out of proportion always. The mistake is RAI showing these images, NOT the player’s holding a personal preference for whatever their reasons are
IF Northern Ireland had beaten Italy do you honestly think it would have been any different from your own players towards them? https://t.co/7By11nvKLx
— AzzurriXtra🇮🇹 (@XtraAzzurri) March 27, 2026
Italy will ALWAYS give 110% when it comes to their national anthem 🇮🇹🔥
World Cup qualification on the line. Their passion on display.
↳ European Qualifiers™. Every Match. Live & Exclusive on Football’s New Home, Stan Sport.#StanSportAU #WCQ pic.twitter.com/1ic5loHHQP
— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) March 26, 2026
You’re agreeing with me. They’re not a team, they’re a collection of individuals
— Patrick Kendrick (@patrickendrick) March 27, 2026
Tonali!!! What a game. Goal and assist
— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) March 26, 2026
Really like Moise Kean (another goal for Italy tonight against Northern Ireland)
Gets himself into dangerous areas, relentless runner, quick shot release and high volume shooter 🎯 https://t.co/WbxC0EgsvZ
— Connor Holden (@ConnorHolden00) March 26, 2026
JUST IN: You think the Welsh or Bosnian players wouldn’t be doing the same thing had Northern Ireland beat Italy???
They too would be celebrating for an easier opponent…..
Don’t get your panties twisted for this… https://t.co/wUY0qDsQg1
— Juventino Gianlu (@gianlulamarca) March 27, 2026
Reckon he’s injured but miraculously recovers in time for italy’s game against Northern Ireland 😂 yeahhh he really doesn’t want to play for yous 😭 #NUFC https://t.co/fFD4Rb78fy
— SAFCSZN (@SAFCSZN_) March 27, 2026
Italy will have some atmosphere to compete against if we can take anything from those outstanding travelling Bosnia fans. They showed their experience and quality in that second half against Northern Ireland. Fancy them to squeeze through on Tuesday 🇮🇹 #Azzurri
— Fraeser (@FMOutsideTheBox) March 27, 2026
It was a natural reaction that anyone would have done. Bosnia would have been buying drinks for everyone if they drew N. Ireland. Italian media should’ve been more responsible, and not making Italy out to be a villain, and give Bosnia any form of motivation. Shame on them.
— Antcacc 🇮🇹⚽️ (@AntCacc14) March 27, 2026
Northern Ireland played well against the @Azzurri yesterday. Despite their loss let’s remember NI is a small country & the fact they were competing to qualify for World Cup vs the Italians is an accomplishment
— Sal Albanese (@salalbanesenyc.bsky.social) (@AlbaneseNYC) March 27, 2026
v
The lack of option between the lines for Italy is embarrassing.
Bastoni visibly frustrated. pic.twitter.com/qrVnF9oVyR
— Uncle Sharma 🎙️ (@RSharmzz) March 26, 2026
Looking at the video of Di Marco “celebrating” is not even half as bad as reported. It wasn’t excessive or arrogant. And as many have pointed out, if N Ireland had beaten Italy, the Bosnia players would have been popping the Champagne. So relax, Bosnia – your national pride has not been offended.