Italy Secures Late Victory Against Moldova, Delaying Norway's World Cup Qualification

Chisinau – Italy battled to a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Moldova in their World Cup 2026 Qualifying Group I match, a result that postpones Norway’s automatic qualification for the tournament. The Azzurri’s goals, both scored in the late stages of the game, secured a crucial three points at the Stadionul Zimbru.

The match, played on Friday, November 14, 2025, saw Italy dominate possession and create a host of chances, but they struggled to break down a resolute Moldovan defense until the final minutes. Giacomo Raspadori had the first clear opportunity for Italy in the 6th minute, but his shot was well saved by Moldova’s goalkeeper, Andrii Kozhukhar.

Kozhukhar continued to frustrate the Italian attack, denying Bryan Cristante from close range six minutes later with a save that pushed the ball away from the left corner of the goal. He then thwarted Raspadori once more just a minute afterward, maintaining Moldova’s clean sheet.

Throughout the first half, Italy registered nine shots in total, but none managed to find the back of the net. Moldova, on the other hand, managed two attempts, one from Virgiliu Postolachi in the 33rd minute, but neither posed a significant threat to Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

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After the interval, Italy continued to press for an opener. Sandro Tonali came close in the 71st minute, but his long-range effort was blocked by Kozhukhar. Shortly thereafter, two chances fell to Mateo Retegui, but the Moldovan keeper was equal to the task, reading the plays effectively.

Young forward Francesco Pio Esposito also tested Kozhukhar with a shot on the counter-attack, but the goalkeeper was able to make the save. Moldova attempted to relieve the pressure with a long-range shot from Vladimir Fratea in the 78th minute, but Vicario in the Italian goal handled it comfortably.

The deadlock was finally broken in the 88th minute when Gianluca Mancini met Federico Dimarco’s low cross with a header that found the left corner of the net, finally beating the inspired Kozhukhar.

Esposito then doubled Italy’s advantage in injury time, heading home a cross from Matteo Politano from the right wing, again finding the left corner of the Moldovan goal. The score remained 2-0 until the final whistle.

With this victory, Italy moves to second place in Group I with 18 points from seven matches, three points behind Norway, who recently defeated Estonia 4-1. This result means that Norway’s qualification is mathematically delayed until the final matchday.

The two teams are scheduled to face each other in Milan in the final Group I match on Monday, November 17, at 02:45 CET. For Italy to secure automatic qualification, they would need to win by a margin of at least nine goals. If they fail to achieve this, Norway will qualify for their first World Cup since 1998, while Italy would have to navigate the playoffs next March.

Background and Analysis

Italy’s performance in the qualifying campaign has been somewhat inconsistent. After a disappointing showing in the previous World Cup cycle, failing to qualify for the tournament in Qatar, there was significant pressure on the team to secure a place in 2026. The appointment of Gennaro Gattuso as manager was intended to bring a renewed sense of discipline and tactical rigor to the squad.

However, the team has struggled to find consistent form, with draws against lower-ranked opponents proving costly. Gattuso has experimented with different formations and personnel, searching for the right balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity. The emergence of young players like Esposito has been a positive development, but the team still relies heavily on experienced players like Mancini and Tonali.

Moldova, on the other hand, has struggled throughout the qualifying campaign. They are currently ranked outside the top 150 in the FIFA world rankings and have found it difficult to compete against the stronger teams in the group. However, their defensive resilience in this match against Italy was commendable, and goalkeeper Kozhukhar produced an outstanding performance.

Tactical Analysis

Italy’s tactical approach in this match was characterized by a high pressing game and a desire to dominate possession. They deployed a 4-3-3 formation, with Raspadori, Retegui, and Chiesa leading the attack. The midfield trio of Tonali, Cristante, and Barella aimed to control the tempo of the game and provide support to the forwards.

Moldova adopted a more defensive approach, sitting deep and looking to hit Italy on the counter-attack. They used a 5-4-1 formation, with a focus on maintaining a compact defensive shape and limiting Italy’s space in the final third.

Italy’s struggles to break down the Moldovan defense highlighted their lack of creativity in the final third. They created numerous chances, but often lacked the killer pass or clinical finishing to convert them into goals. The introduction of Politano in the second half provided some much-needed impetus, and his cross for Esposito’s goal proved to be decisive.

Player Performances

For Italy, Mancini was the standout performer, scoring the crucial opening goal and providing a solid presence in defense. Tonali also impressed in midfield, dictating the play and creating several scoring opportunities. Kozhukhar was undoubtedly Moldova’s best player, making a string of impressive saves to keep his team in the game until the final minutes.

Looking Ahead

The final match between Italy and Norway in Milan promises to be a tense and dramatic affair. Italy needs a big win to secure automatic qualification, while Norway will be determined to hold on to their lead and book their place in the World Cup. The match will be a significant test for both teams, and the outcome will have major implications for their World Cup aspirations.

Italy’s recent form has been inconsistent, but they have the quality and experience to beat any team on their day. The key for Gattuso’s side will be to maintain their focus, improve their finishing, and exploit any weaknesses in the Norwegian defense.

Norway, led by the prolific Erling Haaland, will pose a significant threat to Italy. Haaland is one of the most dangerous strikers in the world, and Italy will need to keep him quiet if they are to have any chance of winning the match.

The stakes are high, and the pressure is on. The final match between Italy and Norway is set to be a memorable encounter.

Team Stats

Italy:

Shots: 22
Shots on Target: 8
Possession: 65%
Pass Accuracy: 88%
Fouls: 12

Moldova:

Shots: 5
Shots on Target: 1
Possession: 35%
Pass Accuracy: 72%
Fouls: 15

Upcoming Fixtures

Italy vs. Norway (November 17, 2025)
Other Group I Matches: (Estonia vs. [Relevant Team], Other matches TBD)

(adp/raw)

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Ahmad Zein Salamo: Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.

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