Italy defeated Moldova 2-0 in Chisinau on Thursday night to keep alive its slim hopes of automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Azzurri recorded their sixth consecutive victory but still face a daunting challenge in their group.
Italy climbed to 18 points, three behind leader Norway, which beat Estonia 4-1 earlier in the day. The two teams meet on Sunday in the final qualifying match. Italy must win and overturn Norway’s superior goal difference of 17 to secure direct qualification.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso praised his squad’s effort. “I saw an Italy that played well. Moldova never shot on goal. I am very satisfied, we did what we had to do and gave some of the lads playing time,” he told Rai.
Italy controlled possession for long stretches but struggled to break down Moldova’s defence. Giacomo Raspadori missed early chances, and Gianluca Mancini went close midway through the first half. Moldova threatened once when Virgiliu Postolachi volleyed over from a promising position.
Gattuso introduced strikers Francesco Pio Esposito and Mateo Retegui after halftime to add energy. Italy finally broke through in the 88th minute when Federico Dimarco delivered a precise cross for Mancini, who scored with a diving header. Esposito sealed the result in stoppage time by nodding in Matteo Politano’s cross, his second international goal.
Italy failed to qualify for the last two World Cups after playoff defeats. The team now faces another uphill battle to avoid a third straight absence. Moldova remains winless and sits bottom of the group with one point.
