Tonali: ‘Italy nervous, but now no other option but to win’

Sandro Tonali admits Italy felt ‘tension’ during the 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland, but ‘have no option but to win’ in the World Cup play-off final.

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The Azzurri struggled to break Northern Ireland down at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, until Tonali smashed in a strike from the edge of the area on 56 minutes, pouncing on a poor clearance.

The midfielder was also instrumental in the second goal, as his assist was controlled by Moise Kean for a precise angled drive in off the inside of the far post.

Tonali felt Italy nerves before breakthrough

“It felt like a replay of the game with Estonia in Bergamo. We didn’t create as many chances, but were against a very physical side that was dangerous on long balls, which we had suffered with recently,” Tonali told RAI Sport.

“We didn’t have many moments of quality, but we did well to make the most of them when we did.”

The pressure was immense on the Nazionale, who missed the last two editions of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

“There was some tension at the start of the second half, but after taking the lead, we really started to feel free of pressure with our mentality,” added Tonali.

“We focused on not giving them their strengths, and were concentrated on the set plays, so when we do that, it’s unlikely we’ll concede to this kind of team.”

Not Italy must wait to discover who they will play in the World Cup play-off final on Tuesday March 31, because Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina have gone to extra time.

“We’ve been feeling positive since the coach arrived, we’ve got to continue like this, there’s no other option but to win.

“I dedicate this goal to everyone, because we all deserve to go to the World Cup. We’ve done nothing yet, but it still feels like the most important goal of my career, along with the one for Milan against Lazio.”