October 11, (THEWILL) — Italy kept their flawless run under manager Gennaro Gattuso intact with a 3-1 victory over Estonia in World Cup qualifying late on Saturday, narrowing the gap on Group I leaders Norway to six points. The result came after Norway had extended their advantage to nine points earlier in the day with a comprehensive 5-0 triumph over Israel, leaving the Azzurri needing maximum points to remain in contention ahead of a crucial fixture between the two sides.
Moise Kean gave Italy the perfect start, bending the ball into the far corner after taking on defender Marten Kuusk in the fourth minute, though the Fiorentina forward soon departed through injury. Mateo Retegui missed a chance to double the lead when goalkeeper Karl Hein saved his penalty after Kuusk had brought him down, but the striker redeemed himself before half-time by finishing Riccardo Orsolini’s delivery from the right flank.
Italy continued to create opportunities after the interval, with Hein denying Giacomo Raspadori following Retegui’s clever through ball. The visitors sealed the points when Francesco Pio Esposito turned Leonardo Spinazzola’s cross into the net in the 74th minute, putting the match beyond Estonia’s reach.
Rauno Sappinen capitalised on a mistake from Gianluigi Donnarumma to reduce the deficit late on, but the home side could not mount a meaningful comeback. Italy now hold a game in hand over Norway and will face the Scandinavians in a decisive encounter that could determine the group winner.
The victory keeps Italy firmly in the hunt for automatic qualification, with Gattuso maintaining his perfect record since taking charge. The team will need to sustain their form through the remaining fixtures to overhaul Norway’s advantage and claim top spot in Group I.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
