Gennaro Gattuso defended Italy’s performance in a hard-fought 2-0 win over Moldova and “cannot accept” insulting shouts from supporters.
It was difficult to generate much enthusiasm in Chisinau, after Norway beat Estonia 4-1 early in the game, confirming that the Azzurri will not be able to catch up with them at the top of Group I.
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Gattuso “cannot accept” insults from Italy and is critical of the World Cup system
There were also a number of changes, including a 4-4-2 formation, but even though they dominated possession and chances, the momentum dwindled. It was only when the substitutes came on that things flared up, in the 88th minute Gianluca Mancini’s diving header opened the scoring, followed by a shot from Francesco Pio Esposito in stoppage time.
“What do you mean that this was not Italy’s best performance? I saw the guys dominate the game, Moldova never had a shot on goal,” Gattuso told RAI Sport when asked about the match.
“If you expected 11-1 like Moldova had against Norway, then that’s not my problem. There are no easy battles.”
There weren’t many supporters in the stands in Chisinau, but some of them protested towards the end when it was still goalless.
“I feel sorry for what I heard from the audience today, shouts that told us to get started. It is now that we must remain united, the team does what they have to do. To get away from home and hear around 500 fans insulting the players, I don’t accept that.”
It was only when the substitutes came on that Italy came to life, either by scoring or providing assists.
“It’s okay, it’s difficult to put 11 new players out from the start. I felt in myself that we could even lose today with so many changes, but I take my hat off to them, they did better than I expected,” Gattuso insisted.
It is the first time ever that Italy have won six matches in a World Cup qualifying group, but that was not enough, because Norway have won all seven and have a goal difference of +29 to +12. Isn’t it a little strange that the Azzurri therefore have to advance to qualifying rounds?
“It’s not a question for me, it’s for the person who makes the rules and groups. In 1994 there were two African teams in the World Cup, now there must be many, and it continues to grow,” Gattuso replied.
“In my time, the best team in each group progressed, plus the best runners-up. We have 18 points, won six games, and we still have to play two more games to qualify. It doesn’t seem right.”
Italy will host Norway at the San Siro on Sunday, but even with a win to catch up with them on points, it is virtually impossible to reverse the extraordinary goal difference difference.
This means that Norway is already looking forward to the playoffs, which start with a semi-final in March 2026.
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Player Ratings: Moldova 0-2 Italy – Substitutes get Gattuso over the line
Italy dropped it late and secured a 2-0 win away to Moldova in the World Cup qualifiers on Thursday night, but are virtually guaranteed to finish the group in second place after Norway’s 4-1 win over Estonia earlier in the evening.
It was a slower than expected start in front of goal for the Azzurri, who were unable to find the back of the net in the first half despite having 73% possession, 13 shots (only three on target) and 10 corners.
It took until the 88th minute before the deadlock was broken. Gianluca Mancini scored his second goal in as many games at international level with an assist from substitute Federico Dimarco. Another combination of substitutes combined for Italy’s second goal a few minutes later: This time it was Matteo Politano who delivered Pio Esposito’s cross.
Moldova 0-2 Italy: Player Ratings!
Vicario 6 – Only had one save to make and only had to retrieve the ball once in what was a very quiet night for him. Moldova had only one shot on target, one off target and one blocked.
Bellanova 5 – Lots of opportunities for him to get forward without much defensive work to do, but didn’t see as much of the ball as Cambiaso on the other side of the full-back.
Mancini 7 – Should have opened the scoring after 25 minutes after some sloppy defending from a free kick by Riccardo Orsolini. Made up for it with an excellent header that finally broke the deadlock in the 88th minute. Two goals in two games for him at international level.
Buongiorno 5 – Not very much for him to do defensively: The entire Italian team only had to make four tackles in a total of 90 minutes. His passing rate of 96% was the highest on the field.
Cambiaso 5 – He was heavily involved in the first half and showed a lot of energy, but it was a mostly frustrating night for him and several other Italian players against a very stubborn, low-blocking Moldovan team. (Dimarco 6.5)
Orsolini 5.5 – Strong on dribbling: He completed more runs with the ball than any other player. One or two good crosses, one or two situations where he didn’t quite make the right decision. (Politano 6.5)
Cristante 6.5 – Italy always tried to build through him. Often the deepest Azzurri player in possession, he saw more of the ball than anyone else. During the first half, he had 12% of the game’s possession on his own. Came close with a test shot from the edge of the 16-meter box early.
Tonali 6 – Wasn’t the easiest game for him to impress. Moldova didn’t have much possession, often having 11 players behind the ball, which didn’t give Tonali much room to show off his strength, power or drive. He didn’t make a mistake with the ball. His two tackles were the most of any Italian player.
Zaccagni 5 – Didn’t have much luck on the left wing. Didn’t get much room to run against defenders with the way Moldova set up. (Frattesi 5)
Scamacca 5 – A nice early flick that almost resulted in a Raspadori goal after five minutes, but otherwise he wasn’t big enough of a presence in the box for Italy and couldn’t register a shot on goal during his 65 minutes. (Retegui 6)
Raspadori 5 – Wasn’t clinical enough with the half-chances he got before he left the field. (Esposito 7)
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