Italy secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Northern Ireland in World Cup qualifying on 26 March, with the hosts' 3-5-2 formation overwhelming their visitors' defensive 5-4-1 setup. The Italians dominated possession and chance creation, registering 19 shots with 8 on target compared to Northern Ireland's modest return of eight attempts and just one on target, whilst their expected goals advantage of 1.63 to 0.53 reflected their superiority throughout. Moise Kean opened the scoring as Italy controlled proceedings with clinical finishing, though their goalkeeper's 75 per cent save rate and zero overperformance against expected goals conceded suggested Northern Ireland posed minimal attacking threat. Danny Makkelie oversaw a straightforward contest that saw the hosts progress methodically through their qualifying campaign. Italy's dominance indicates their credentials remain intact in the group.