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Italy Edge Moldova Late, 2026 Bid Now Routes Through Play-Offs After Norway Win

Gattuso condemned the boos in Chisinau, urging unity before a likely March play-off route.

Overview

  • Italy beat Moldova 2-0 in Chisinau with late goals from Gianluca Mancini in the 88th minute and Francesco Esposito in stoppage time.
  • Norway defeated Estonia to maintain a three-point lead over Italy and a far superior goal difference at the top of Group I.
  • Italy can only top the group with an implausible nine-goal victory over Norway in Sunday’s finale in Milan.
  • Supporters booed around the 73rd minute at 0-0, which Gennaro Gattuso called a shame as he urged fans to back the team.
  • Gattuso questioned the qualifying format that sends runners-up to play-offs, with Italy now set for March mini-tournaments after past play-off exits to North Macedonia and Sweden.