The Azzurri made it three straight victories in World Cup qualifying with a convincing win in Tallinn, led by Kean’s opener, Retegui’s redemption, and Esposito’s first international goal.
Italy got the job done in Tallinn, cruising past Estonia 3–1 to secure their third consecutive win in World Cup qualifying. Gennaro Gattuso’s team now sits firmly in second place in Group I, six points behind leaders Norway but with a game in hand.
The Azzurri started strong, and it took only five minutes for Moise Kean to make his mark. The Fiorentina striker curled a stunning right-footed shot into the far corner to open the scoring. Unfortunately, his night ended early as he limped off with an ankle injury after just 15 minutes, replaced by Pio Esposito.
The first half’s drama continued through Mateo Retegui. The Al-Qadsiah forward won a penalty around the half-hour mark but failed to convert, with Hein guessing right. Retegui made amends just before halftime, finishing a clever assist from Orsolini to double Italy’s lead.
In the second half, Italy managed the game calmly, with Gattuso rotating his wide players. The changes paid off when Spinazzola delivered a perfect cross in the 74th minute for Pio Esposito, who smashed home his first-ever goal in an Italy shirt. Two minutes later, a rare blunder from Donnarumma handed Estonia a consolation goal—Sappinen pounced after the City keeper fumbled a routine cross.
Despite the late slip, Italy’s performance was dominant, efficient, and full of confidence. With momentum building, Gattuso’s men now turn their focus to the upcoming clash with Israel in Udine.
Match Report
Scorers:
5’ Kean (ITA), 38’ Retegui (ITA, pen. missed earlier), 74’ P. Esposito (ITA), 76’ Sappinen (EST)
Estonia (4-2-3-1): Hein; Peetson, Paskotsi, Kuusk (62’ Mets), Saliste (46’ Sinyavskiy); Shein (83’ Karel Mustmaa), Palumets (46’ Schoenning-Larsen); Kait, Soomets, Saarma; Tamm (62’ Sappinen).
Coach: Thomas Häberli
Italy (4-4-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Orsolini (62’ Cambiaso), Barella (77’ Frattesi), Tonali, Raspadori (62’ Spinazzola); Kean (15’ Esposito), Retegui (77’ Cristante).
Coach: Gennaro Gattuso
Referee: Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands)
Booked: Barella (ITA), Kuusk (EST), Palumets (EST), Peetson (EST), Cambiaso (ITA)
L’articolo Estonia 1–3 Italy: Gattuso’s Men Keep Rolling as Kean, Retegui, and Esposito Seal Another Win proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
