"Italy put on a late show to see off Moldova with a 2-0 away win in World Cup qualifying, though have little chance of snatching top spot from Norway. Norway thrashed Estonia 4-1 prior to Italy's last-gasp victory, but Gennaro Gattuso's side are three points behind the Group I leaders and have a significantly inferior goal difference before hosting them in Sunday's final encounter."
"Mancini delivered the opener in the 88th minute when heading home from Federico Dimarco's cross, before two substitutes made sure of victory four minutes later. Fine work from Matteo Politano created space down the right before his lofted cross found the head of Francesco Pio Esposito, who scored for a victory that will likely prove redundant for Italy's qualification hopes."
"Gianluca Scamacca saw an early effort deflected wide before Gianluca Mancini somehow volleyed over with the goal at his mercy near the six-yard box. Moldova almost struck against the run of play, but Virgiliu Postolachi could not direct a rare chance on target before Riccardo Orsolini and Bryan Cristante both whistled narrowly off target in a goalless first half. An excellent last-ditch block from Ioan-Calin Revenco then stopped Andrea Cambiaso from opening the scoring after half-time, but Italy would eventually find their breakthrough."
Italy won 2-0 away at Moldova with late goals from Gianluca Mancini (88th minute) and substitute Francesco Pio Esposito (92nd). The victory followed Norway's 4-1 win over Estonia, leaving Italy three points behind Group I leaders with a much inferior goal difference and requiring a nine-goal win in their final match to secure automatic qualification. Italy created several first-half chances but endured a goalless first 45 despite 0.97 expected goals and heavy possession disparity. Moldova defended resolutely with limited possession and a key Revenco block. Substitutes Matteo Politano and Esposito combined for the second goal. Qualification now likely depends on play-offs.
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