Italy Grind Out Late Victory Against Moldova Ahead of Crucial Norway Encounter

Key Takeaways:

• Italy secured a 2-0 away win over Moldova last night in their penultimate Group “I” World Cup qualifier
• Goals from Gianluca Mancini (88’) and Francesco Pio Esposito (90+2’) sealed Italy’s sixth consecutive group victory
• The Azzurri remain second in the group on 18 points, trailing Norway by three ahead of their direct meeting on Sunday at the Giuseppe Meazza

Match Overview

Italy found the going tougher than expected as they edged past Group “I” underdogs Moldova 2-0 on foreign soil in their second-to-last 2026 World Cup qualifier in Europe. The outcome preserved the Squadra Azzurra’s perfect run under Gennaro Gattuso, who became just the third Italian coach to mark his first five matches with victories. Their breakthrough arrived late on, through headers by Gianluca Mancini in the 88th minute and substitute Francesco Pio Esposito deep into stoppage time (90+2’).

Italy's 2-0 win over Moldova means the winner of Group I will be decided in Milan on Sunday.

However, Gennaro Gattuso's side will need an almighty win to topple Norway in first. pic.twitter.com/sSliEyq0xJ

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) November 13, 2025

Team News and Tactical Changes

Gattuso opted for significant rotation, introducing seven fresh faces following last month’s 3-0 triumph over Israel. Guglielmo Vicario took up duties in goal, flanked by newcomers Raoul Bellanova and Alessandro Buongiorno in defence. The midfield saw Riccardo Orsolini, Bryan Cristante, and Mattia Zaccagni starting, while up front Giacomo Raspadori was partnered with Gianluca Scamacca.

First Half Analysis

Italy asserted early control, pressing forward from the outset. Raspadori and Scamacca squandered opening chances, with further efforts from captain Cristante and Raspadori following set pieces also repelled. Additional attempts from Zaccagni, Orsolini, and Mancini narrowly missed the target. Moldova’s first attempt arrived in the 33rd minute as Virgiliu Postolachi shot wide. Italy persisted until the interval, but shots from Cristante and Orsolini failed to alter the scoreline.

Second Half and Decisive Moments

The Azzurri maintained their attacking pressure after the break, but efforts from Raspadori and Orsolini again found no reward. Sandro Tonali’s shot and two attempts from substitute Mateo Retegui were all denied by Andriy Kožuhar. Esposito’s volley and subsequent low drive narrowly missed the Moldovan goal. Substitute Vladimir Fratea threatened at the other end with a miss in front of Italy’s net.

Italy’s dominance was only finally reflected in goals as time ran out. Gianluca Mancini broke the deadlock with a powerful header from Federico Dimarco’s cross in the 88th minute. Francesco Pio Esposito then doubled the advantage in added time, converting another header after a Matteo Politano assist.

Implications for Group Standings

With this result, Italy have 18 points but remain second, as Norway lead with 21 points and a substantial goal difference advantage (+29 compared to Italy’s +12). The two sides are set for a direct showdown at the Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday, where Italy would require a win by at least nine goals to claim top spot. Moldova stay rooted to the bottom with a single point.