If not for Gianluca Mancini and Pio Esposito’s winning goal in front of goal in the final minutes, in Chisinau we would have experienced Gattuso’s first night as coach without a goal and without a win. Yes, because in Moldova came a disappointing performance against a modest opponent that even the “resigned” Spalletti managed to tame again in June in Reggio Emilia with two goals and which, thanks to the Nations League, could even reappear in the playoffs. A step back in what had been just a “practice” match, after Norway had sealed qualification with a goal, and against a team that had picked up just one point in their previous six games. Goals from the Roma defender, who had already scored against Israel and was at risk early in the game with a thigh injury, and a 2-0 scoreline from the doomed Inter man saved the night.
The world play-off “punishment” for Italy has been written for a long time, probably since that unfortunate night in Oslo in June where the Scandinavian side gave us three slaps, kicking off a new era for the Azzurri. And no one had any illusions yesterday about the possibility of help from Estonia, who were knocked out by braces from Sorloth and Haaland before Italy took to the pitch at Zimbru’s cramped facilities. Then it was a night in Moldavia that brought a few smiles: we wore new kits made by technical sponsor Adidas which we hoped would accompany us to the USA, Mexico and Canada games, but the Azzurri failed to put on a decent match. Gattuso’s idea was to test as closely as possible the level of progress achieved by his Italy with many new translators. For sure, I can’t be satisfied.
The choice of Scamacca true nine, absent in blue since the tragic afternoon in Berlin a year and a half ago that excluded us from the European Championship, and partner Raspadori, who is good at linking the game with other departments, did not prove to be a happy choice. The Pio Esposito-Retegui duo was better and it is not a coincidence that Pio Esposito-Retegui will score. Italy hit the wall against Moldova – who capitalized on the eleven goals conceded by Norway… – but attacked with little fluidity and in a confused and confused manner. Vicario watched as a spectator, including Postolachi’s ill-advised shot that gave us goosebumps, but the abundance of corners and a very high percentage of ball possession is not synonymous with danger. Until the final one-two.
«It’s a shame they told us to go to work – said Gattuso after the victory, stigmatizing the chants of the Italian fans in Chisinau -.
I don’t accept it but let’s move on. I saw Italy play, they never had a shot on goal. I’m very satisfied, if you stay 11-1 against Norway, that’s your problem.” On Sunday in Milan the confrontation with Haaland and his teammates.
