Italy kept their World Cup dream alive by defeating Northern Ireland 2–0 in the European playoff semifinal at Stadio di Bergamo. Goals from Sandro Tonali in the 56th minute and Moise Kean in the 74th minute secured the win for the four-time world champions. With this result, Italy advanced to the playoff final, where they will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, who beat Wales 4–2 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.

In another crucial playoff match, Sweden overcame Ukraine 3–1 thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. The striker scored in the 6th, 51st, and 73rd minutes, including a penalty, while Ukraine’s Matvii Pomarnyko netted a late consolation goal. Sweden will now face Poland, who defeated Albania 2–1, in the playoff final on April 1 in Stockholm.

Elsewhere, Kosovo edged Slovakia 4–3 to reach the final against Turkey, while Denmark crushed North Macedonia 4–0 to set up a final clash with either the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland.