Italy Faces World Cup Playoff Pressure After Moldova Win

chișinău, moldova - Italy faces World Cup playoff pressure after a late 2-0 win against Moldova, needing to beat Norway by nine goals to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Italy's World Cup Playoff Pressure

Italy faces the threat of missing out on the 2026 World Cup as they head into a must-win situation against Norway after a lackluster 2-0 victory over Moldova. Despite a strong performance in Group I of UEFA World Cup qualifying, Italy's fate now rests on the playoff match.

Pressure Mounts on Coach and Players

Following the match against Moldova, discontent among fans and pressure on coach Gennaro Gattuso and the team have escalated. The coach expressed frustration at the fans' reactions and emphasized the need for unity.

Struggle for Direct Qualification

Italy's struggle for direct qualification stems from an early defeat against Norway and the latter's impressive goal-scoring record. Erling Haaland's standout performance and Norway's dominant wins have put Italy in a precarious position.

Challenges Ahead

With the playoff looming, Italy faces the daunting task of securing a spot in the World Cup for the third consecutive time through this route. Gattuso acknowledges the need for improvement and potential lineup changes to strengthen the team.

Looking to the Future

As Italy prepares for the crucial match against Norway, there is a sense of urgency and determination to change their World Cup fate. The playoffs have become a recurring nightmare for Italy, and they are determined to script a different ending this time.