The City goalkeeper captained his country and remained unbeaten as Italy beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in their European play-off semi-final in Bergamo.
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean got the goals as Italy moved to within a game of qualifying for this summer’s tournament in USA, Canada and Mexico.
Four-times winners Italy will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina away in Zenica on Tuesday 31 March for a chance to reach the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
They beat Wales 4-2 on penalties in Cardiff after their semi-final clash went to extra-time following a 1-1 draw.
The Welsh looked to be heading through until a late equaliser from ex-City striker and Bosnia captain Edin Dzeko, days after his 40th birthday.
Elsewhere, Rayan Cherki was an unused sub as 10-man France beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly in the US.
SHOP THE CARABAO CUP WINNERS RANGE!
City lifted the Carabao Cup for a ninth time on Sunday afternoon when Pep Guardiola’s side beat Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley.
A four-minute Nico O’Reilly brace was the difference as the top two teams in the country went head to head for the first piece of silverware in 2025/26.
To celebrate the momentous occasion, you can look just like your favourite City players with our 2026 Winners Range!
From jerseys to mugs to key chains and posters, click below to check out the range...
