Overview
- Italy is confirmed for the March play-offs, as only group winners qualify directly for the World Cup in the United States.
- Italy has two qualifiers left, visiting Moldova before hosting group leaders Norway in Milan to close the year.
- Direct qualification remains possible only if Norway drops points against Estonia and Italy win both remaining matches.
- Norway’s +26 goal difference versus Italy’s +10 makes a points tie difficult for Italy to overturn even in a draw on points.
- Coach Gennaro Gattuso plans rotation and two systems, confirms Federico Chiesa will not join the squad, notes Barella is suspended for Moldova, and indicates Tonali and other bookings may be protected ahead of the play-offs.