The Estonian Prize did not occur. Norway won 4-1 over Estonia in Oslo and Italy (unless there are goleades that border on science fiction against Moldova and Norway themselves) he will play i play-offs (draw on November 20, semifinals on March 26 and final on March 31) to advance to next year’s World Cup in the US, Mexico and Canada. A right was earned in the 3-0 win against Israel. A picture that is also determined in the other groups, in such a way that it is possible to hypothesize about the possible opponents of the Azzurri in the semifinals that will be played at home in one match. The situation clearly begins to be determined with the progress of the final group matches: the results of the Nations League also affect the pair.
Sweden, bad memories
One of the four opponents in pot number 4, the bracket from which the opponents destined for Italy will emerge, will almost certainly be the best. Sweden. In their group (B), they only got one point after 4 matches: drawing in Slovenia and then losing twice against Kosovo and once against Switzerland. Last with a difference of -6 points from Kosovo and with a goal difference of 6 goals less, they only have one chance to finish second: beat Switzerland (away) and Slovenia (home) and hope that Kosovo loses twice, against the same opponent. By then they will have reached Kosovo and the goal difference will be decisive. A situation that is certainly not in line with the symbol of the Swedish team: after the dismissal of Jon Dahl Tomasson (Denmark, former AC Milan striker), now it’s the turn of the Englishman Graham Potter resolve the situation. However, Sweden is a team that should not be underestimated, but at least respected: just imagine the offensive potential possessed by strikers Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal and Alexander Isak of Liverpool, who were contested by half of Europe last summer.
Wales or North Macedonia
Wales and Macedonia are fighting with Belgium for the first two places in Group J. But here the picture seems clear: Belgium is destined for first place (leading and having to face Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein even without stars De Bruyne and Lukaku). North Macedonia, who dominated the group for a long time and conceded only 3 goals, now have three points in the standings Waleswho has one game less and will play it against Liechtenstein. It’s easy to imagine both teams being on equal points on the final day (November 18) when Wales-North Macedonia is played: whoever wins is second, whoever loses is third but already assured of a repechage. A draw today would make Macedonia smile (if Wales hadn’t won 6-0 over Liechtenstein).
The Growth of North Macedonia
North Macedonia they could face Italy in the semi-final (if they lose to Wales and finish third) or in the final (if they finish second in the group and then win the semi-final). Like Sweden, North Macedonia also evokes sad memories for Italy who were beaten in the semi-final play-off in Palermo on their way to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Compared to that match, the team seems more aware of its capabilities. There is no shortage of good individuals: there is Napoli’s Elmas and then the soul of the character, Enis Bardhi, author of the incredible free-kick in the match against Kazakhstan.
Welsh Boundaries
Wales could also find the Azzurri if they don’t beat Macedonia and qualify for the fourth pot after failing: otherwise, if they finish the group in second place, they could be seeded like Italy, instead pushing Poland among the potential opponents in the final. This will depend on November’s ranking: in September Wales is ahead of Poland, but in the following October Poland will be one place ahead with a minimal margin. The results in November will be decisive (especially Poland-Netherlands). Wales are a competitive team but with serious tactical breakdowns in the defensive phase. An old acquaintance of Italian football such as Ethan Ampadu, formerly of Venezia who now plays for Leeds, played there.
Romania of the saint Lucescu
Another guess for pot 4 is Romania, third in group H, 3 points behind Bosnia with a goal difference of 3 goals less. Here the key match is Bosnia-Romania on 15 November: if Bosnia wins, Romania will go third and get the repechage. Otherwise, everything is at stake: and on the final day Austria-Bosnia and Romania-San Marino will be played. Bosnia, on the other hand, had no way out: whether it finished second or was knocked out, it could not be recovered. Romania is not an easy customer. This team is coached by an international football teacher who really understands Italian football like Mircea Lucescu. In addition, they have some talented people like the great son Hagi and fast forwards like former Parma players Mihaila and Man.
The double face of Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is third in Group A, 3 points behind Germany and Slovakia. The key match is Slovakia-Northern Ireland on November 14. If Slovakia win, they will put Northern Ireland in third place and back into the play-offs, as Italy’s likely opponents. Otherwise, everything is up for discussion: Germany-Slovakia and Northern Ireland-Luxembourg on the final day. Excluding, naturally, the terrible possibility that Germany finishes third and goes into pot 4. If Northern Ireland comes second, then Slovakia will be knocked out and leave one spot empty for Moldova or San Marino. Northern Ireland are quite a chameleon team. At home they produced matches orchestrated at an obsessive pace: Slovakia in Belfast were annihilated and Germany won with a lucky goal from Woltemade without deserving too much. Things changed away from home (and this would happen in the match against Italy), when Northern Ireland were able to employ defensive tactics that were almost catenaccio-like.
Moldova
Today he will become the first person to be removed from the list of the League of Nations. He can only support Sweden, Romania and Northern Ireland. If any of the three finish in second place, Moldova will qualify for the play-offs in the fourth pot. Of course, this would be an ideal situation for the Azzurri.
San Marino Paradox
His situation was worse than Moldova: he had to hope for two places to become free. A person can leave Northern Ireland. The other country is Romania who will host San Marino on the final day and, if they qualify, they will have to win by a large margin. Paradoxical victory: if San Marino beat Romania then they will be out of the World Cup, but if they lose badly at least they can hope.
