Italy's Azzurri moved closer to ending their World Cup hiatus with a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Rome, thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
Tonali opened the scoring with a composed finish after a dynamic midfield move, giving Italy the lead before halftime.
Kean doubled the advantage with a late strike, capping a night when Italy controlled the tempo and defended stoutly as Northern Ireland pressed to find a way back into the tie.
The result leaves Italy within reach of the playoff final, with the Azzurri now turning attention to sealing a place at the World Cup finals.
Fans in the stands and viewers at home celebrated a disciplined performance that mixed patient buildup with sharp finishing.
