"Italy made a bright start at the Zimbru Stadium, with Gianluca Scamacca sending Giacomo Raspadori in on goal, but his shot was saved at the near post. AS Roma midfielder Bryan Cristante then saw his backheeled flick from a corner pushed around the post by Moldova goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar. Riccardo Orsolini sent his 20-yard effort over as Italy continued to keep the home side under pressure."
"Italy remained on the front foot early in the second half, with Andrea Cambiaso seeing his close-range shot blocked by Ioan-Calin Revenco. Scamacca also saw his effort charged down before substitute Pio Esposito tested Kozhukhar with a central volley and then drilled a low shot wide from the edge of the area. Italy, who next face Norway on Sunday, eventually got their reward with just two minutes left when Mancini stooped to glance in a cross from Federico Dimarco."
"Italy left it late as they battled to a 2-0 win over Moldova in their penultimate World Cup qualifier in Chisinau. The Azzurri had already secured a playoff spot, but hopes of taking first place in Group I were all but mathematically over after Norway had earlier beaten Estonia 4-1. Gennaro Gattuso's side, though, looked to have been left frustrated against the bottom-of-the-table Moldovans -- until Gianluca Mancini nodded in with two minutes left and substitute Francesco Pio Esposito headed home another during stoppage time."
Italy secured a 2-0 victory over Moldova in Chisinau, scoring both goals in the closing minutes through Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito. The win came after Norway's earlier 4-1 victory over Estonia left Italy's chances of topping Group I slim. Italy created numerous chances, with notable efforts from Gianluca Scamacca, Giacomo Raspadori, Bryan Cristante and Riccardo Orsolini, but struggled to break down the Moldovan defence until late. Moldova threatened on a counter through Mihail Stefan and had efforts from Virgiliu Postolachi. Italy now prepare to face Norway and could go level on points with group leaders.
Read at ESPN
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