2-0! The four-time World Cup champion’s 6-game winning streak is still to no avail. A 19-goal difference in the final round is needed to reach the United States, Canada and Mexico.

In the early morning of November 14, in Group I of the US-Canada-Mexico World Cup European Qualifiers, Italy was a guest to challenge Moldova. In the first half of the game, the two teams shot 13-2, Italy crushed their opponents, and Cambiasso missed the opportunity. In the 87th minute, Dimarco assisted Mancini with a header and in the 92nd minute, Esposito sealed the victory with a header. In the end, Italy, which has won the World Cup four times, defeated Moldova, ranked 156th in the world and bottom of the group, 2-0.

After this game, Italy is still 3 points behind Norway in second place. In the final round, Italy will face off against Norway, but Italy has 17 fewer goals than Norway. Italy needs to beat Norway by 18 goals to advance to the top spot, otherwise it will participate in the play-offs.

[Competition Focus]

In the 25th minute, Italy's free kick created a threat. The goalkeeper made a mistake. Faced with an excellent opportunity, Cambiasso's shot was comparable to a clearance.

In the 87th minute, Dimarco made a pass, and Mancini stepped in and headed over to score the winner.

In the 92nd minute, Politano sent an assist, and Esposito jumped high and sealed the victory with a header.

[Highlights]

In the 7th minute, Italy passed the ball continuously in the frontcourt, and Raspadori's shot was blocked by the defender.

In the 11th minute, Italy got a good free kick in the frontcourt. Scamacca's shot was blocked by the defender and missed the baseline.

In the 33rd minute, there was a loophole in the defense in the middle of the Italian penalty area. After receiving a pass from his teammate, Vergilius was unmarked and actually hit the ball high.

In the 40th minute, Cristante suddenly kicked out from outside the penalty area. The cold shot missed the goal post and went slightly wide.

In the 60th minute, Italy once again played smoothly, Moldova's defense continued, and Scamacca's shot was blocked again.

In the 69th minute, Tonali's shot was very powerful, but it was too straight. The goalkeeper stayed still and hit the ball with both fists.

In the 78th minute, Politano made a pass and Esposito grabbed the spot, but there was still no threat in the shot.

[Statistics]

[Player ratings]

[Lineup]

Italy starting lineup: 14-Vicario, 4-Buongiorno, 23-Mancini, 19-Cambiasso (7 5’3-Dimarco), 2-Bellanova, 15-Cristante, 10-Raspadori (65’9-Retegui), 8-Tonali, 20-Zacani (82’15-Fratesi), 17-Orsolini (75’7-Politano), 11-Scamacca (65’18-Esposito).

Italian substitutes: 1-Donnarumma, 12-Carnesechi, 5-Locatelli, 6-Ricci, 13-Gabbia, 21-Bastoni, 22-DiLorenzo.

Moldova starting lineup: 23-Kojuhar, 3-Stefan, 14-Kresin, 19-Dumbravanu, 2-Labichuk (55’6-Ion Bos), 4-Barboglo, 7-Jonita, 22-Vadimula Tower (73’8-Stefan Botisdinu), 21-Persien (61’18-Victor Bogasic), 9-Nicolascu (73’13-Fratea), 17-Virgilius (55’10-Damascan).

Moldova substitutes: 1-Timbur, 12-Avram, 5-Katalin Kukos, 11-Mikhail, 15-Ion Bos, 16-Forov, 20-Sergiu Platica.