Italy failed to qualify directly for the 2022 World Cup

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

Italy National Team failed to pass directly to 2022 World Cup after being held to a 0-0 draw by Northern Ireland at Windsor Park, Belfast, Tuesday (16/11) early morning WIB.

The failure to win at the headquarters of Northern Ireland made Italy the runner-up in Group C of the 2022 World Cup Qualifiers. Italy was shifted by Switzerland, who came out as group winners after a 4-0 win over Bulgaria at the same time.

Switzerland rose to the top of the standings with 18 points. Meanwhile, Italy dropped to second place because they only collected 16 points and had to accept the reality of appearing in the playoffs to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Italy, who needs to win, took the initiative to attack in this match. On the other hand, Northern Ireland played defensively while seeing opportunities to counterattack the visitors’ defense.

Italy created opportunities in the 32nd minute. Chiesa penetrated into the Northern Ireland penalty box which was ended by a left-footed shot but was still too weak and easily secured by the opposing goalkeeper.

Five minutes later Italy got another chance to score. Insigne managed to get into the penalty box but his shot was easily saved by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Northern Ireland almost took the lead 1-0 early in the second half. Jamal Lewis’ low pass was met by George Saville’s left-footed shot but Gianluigi Donnarumma saved the ball on goal.

Italy got a golden opportunity to score in the 63rd minute. Chiesa managed to outwit a Northern Ireland player after picking up Domenico Berardi’s pass but the Juventus player’s left-footed shot at the far post went narrow on the right.

Italy continued to exert pressure but struggled to penetrate a solid Northern Ireland defense. Gli Azzurri even almost conceded near the end of the match.

Donnarumma’s error in reading the direction of the ball actually endangered the Italian goal. However, Conor Washington’s shot was still too weak for the Italian defender to read.

Italy was never able to score a goal in the remaining time of the game. As a result, a 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland lasted until the second half was over.

Lineup

Irlandia Utara (5-3-2): Bailey Peacock-Farrell; Stuart Dallas, Tom Flanagan, Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart, Jamal Lewis; Alistair Mccan, Steven Davis, George Saville; Gavin Whyte, Josh Magennis

Italy (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Leonardo Bonucci, Francesco Acerbi, Emerson; Sandro Tonali, Jorginho, Nicolo Barella; Domenico Berardi, Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Chiesa

(jal)

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