Newcastle's Sandro Tonali in action for Italy (Image: Getty Images)

Sandro Tonali and Italy must overcome Northern Ireland and then either Wales or Bosnia to book their place at next summer's World Cup finals.

The Newcastle United midfielder was unable to help steer his country to top spot in their qualifiing group over the last few months, with Norway taking the honours.

However, the Italians finished second, meaning they made it to the play-off stage, which will take place in March. The draw for those games was made today, with four 'paths' resulting in four countries joining England, Germany, France, Spain and Co at the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Tonali and Italy were handed a home semi-final against Northern Ireland next year, with the winners then facing either

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