Italy finally clinched a 2-0 win over Moldova in their penultimate World Cup qualifier in Chisinau, but the timing of the goals highlighted their struggle. The Azzurri had largely dominated possession throughout the match, yet it took until the 88th minute for Gianluca Mancini to open the scoring with a precise header. Just before the final whistle, substitute Francesco Pio Esposito sealed the result with another well-placed header, ensuring all three points.
Despite dominating early on, Italy faced a resilient Moldova side that defended deep and disrupted their rhythm. Attempts from Giacomo Raspadori and Riccardo Orsolini were either saved or narrowly missed. Even set pieces, including Bryan Cristante’s clever backheel and Orsolini’s free kicks, were kept at bay by Moldovan goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar, keeping the game goalless for most of the 90 minutes.
The late breakthrough relieved Italy’s nerves and ensured they maintained momentum heading into their final Group I match against Norway. Although the victory confirmed their presence in the playoffs, Italy’s hopes of topping the group are now mathematically slim due to goal difference and Norway’s earlier win against Estonia.
Moldova Poses Early Challenges
Italy began brightly at the Zimbru Stadium, immediately creating chances and keeping Moldova on the back foot. Gianluca Scamacca set up Raspadori for an early attempt, which was expertly saved at the near post. The Azzurri continued to press with midfield creativity from Cristante, whose backheeled flick from a corner narrowly missed a goal.
Moldova, despite sitting at the bottom of the group, showed glimpses of attacking threat on the counter. Mihail Stefan broke forward and delivered a dangerous cross, though Virgiliu Postolachi’s volley went over the bar. These moments provided Moldova with brief hope and kept Italy cautious.
Italy’s persistence in possession forced multiple defensive interventions from Moldova, especially during free kicks and crosses. Although the visitors struggled to break the deadlock, their dominance set the tone for eventual late goals, showing the gap in quality while also highlighting Italy’s need for patience against organized defenses.
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Late Goals Secure Italy’s Position
Italy’s breakthrough came in the 88th minute when Mancini converted Federico Dimarco’s cross with a perfectly timed header. This goal sparked celebrations but left little room for complacency. Substitute Pio Esposito then added a second goal in stoppage time, heading in a Politano delivery, which secured the comfortable final scoreline.
These late goals reflected Italy’s persistence and tactical discipline. Despite a long period without scoring, the team maintained pressure and patiently probed Moldova’s defensive lines. The timing of the goals ensured the Azzurri left Chisinau with confidence ahead of the decisive encounter against Norway.
The result also ensured Italy avoided unnecessary tension in the final match. While they could theoretically draw level on points with Norway with a win, the goal difference gap makes overtaking the group leaders extremely unlikely.
Playoff Spot Now Confirmed
Italy’s late win confirms their place in the 16-team UEFA playoff for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. Four spots will be available through this knockout-style playoff, giving Italy a second chance to qualify despite failing to secure the automatic berth. The playoff format ensures high-stakes encounters for all teams involved.
Next, Italy faces Norway in a crucial group finale. Even if a victory occurs, the 17-goal deficit makes topping the group virtually impossible. Nonetheless, the team can focus on refining strategy, boosting confidence, and preparing for the playoff challenge, where every goal and performance will carry significant weight.
With the playoff approaching, Italy must maintain form and fitness, ensuring key players like Mancini, Dimarco, and Esposito remain in top condition. The late goals against Moldova provide momentum, but the real test begins in the high-pressure playoff matches, which will determine Italy’s World Cup fate. Stay tuned for the latest football news only at footballcoasters.co.uk.