2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Mancini and Esposito scored late goals in a subdued match against Moldova.

Italy defeated Moldova 2-0 on Matchday 7 of Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, but the win wasn't enough to avoid a playoff spot. Norway's resounding victory against Estonia and their enormous goal difference over Haaland and his teammates (+29) effectively condemned Gattuso's men to the play-offs, despite their sixth consecutive win.

Moldova-Italy 0-2

At the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau, the Azzurri maintained control of the game from the opening minutes, but their play was slow, imprecise, and unable to create any real threat to the Moldovan defense. Despite persistent possession, Italy lacked rhythm or incisiveness in the final meters.

In the second half, the Azzurri continued with predictable passing, few off-the-ball runs, and poor finishing. It was only with the introduction of players from the bench that Gattuso's team found some real attacking momentum. In the 88th minute, Mancini finally finds the winning touch on a precise service from Dimarco from the left for 0-1. In the minutes of injury time, Pio Esposito takes advantage of an excellent cross from Politano and scores the second goal that secures the three points.

On Sunday Italy will face the Norway in the last match of the group, a match that will serve more to gauge the team's true form than to hope for a move up in the standings, now impossible given the goal difference.