Moldova 0-2 Italy, FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers: Azzurri Leave It Late To Beat Minnows

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Italy left it late to seal a 2-0 win over minnows Moldova in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers at Zimbru Stadium. The home side held firm against one-way traffic from the Azzurri forwards for most of the match, with Italy needing 88 minutes for Gianluca Mancini to give them the breakthrough. An injury-time header from Francesco Pio Esposito sealed the win. Moldova had an opportunity through Virgiliu Postolachi, but failed to have a shot on target. Italy, despite being second in Group I, will likely have to go to the play-offs due to Norway's significant goal difference advantage.

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World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Moldova vs Italy
Italy's Bryan Cristante jumps for a header during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja
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World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Italy vs Moldova
Italy's Raoul Bellanova lies on the pitch after an injury during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Moldova vs Italy
Italy's Gianluca Mancini celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Italy vs Moldova
Italy's Mateo Retegui, right, challenges for the ball with Moldova's Artur Ionita during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Moldova vs Italy
Italy's Pio Esposito scores his side's second goal during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja
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FIFA World Cup Qualifier Soccer Match: Italy vs Moldova
Italy's Mateo Retegui attempts to score next to Moldova's Daniel Dumbravanu during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja
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FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Moldova vs Italy
Italy's Raoul Bellanova passes the ball next to Moldova's Stefan Bitca during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja
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FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Italy vs Moldova
Italy's Alessandro Bunongiorno, left, jumps for a header with Moldova's Daniel Dumbravanu during a group 1, World Cup qualifier soccer match between Moldova and Italy in Chisinau, Moldova. | Photo: AP/Aurel Obreja

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