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Italy Secure‌ Win in Estonia, But Playoff⁢ Path Remains the Focus

Tallinn, Estonia ⁢- Italy defeated Estonia 3-1 ‌on Friday, a‍ result that, while securing a​ victory, underscores the team’s likely route ⁢to ⁣the​ World Cup will be thru the playoffs. The ⁢win was tempered by an injury to forward Moise ⁢Kean and a rare error from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Kean opened ⁤the scoring⁢ in the 12th minute with a right-footed shot after a through ball from Federico ⁤Dimarco, but⁣ suffered a sprained right ankle just three minutes later, forcing him off the pitch after a brief return to play. ⁢Shortly after, in⁢ the 20th​ minute,⁣ Italy​ extended their lead⁤ through Pio Esposito, who scored his ⁢first goal for the Azzurri with a powerful right-footed ‍shot assisted by Leonardo Spinazzola.

However, italy conceded for the ⁣third⁣ consecutive away ⁢game in World Cup/European Championship qualifying when Donnarumma allowed a harmless cross from Soomets to slip through his gloves, leading to a goal for Estonia’s ‍Sappinen.

Italy regained​ their two-goal advantage ⁣before halftime⁢ with a goal from Mateo Retegui, ⁢assisted by Andrea Orsolini following another Dimarco contribution – a headed flick-on from Saliste. Retegui ‌had previously been denied⁣ a goal from the penalty spot, his attempt hitting ‌the post after earning the penalty‌ himself. Further goals‍ from Giacomo Raspadori and ‍Spinazzola completed the scoring.

Despite the win, Italy’s ⁤focus remains on securing second ‌place in the group, which guarantees a playoff⁢ spot in March. With Norway’s strong⁣ position in ​the group, ⁤Italy must now defeat‌ Israel on ⁤Tuesday in Udine, were a draw may be sufficient, given Bastoni’s suspension.

“The important thing is to create – then you ‍can miss ‌goals ‌and penalties,” stated Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso after the match.​ “The kids have the​ desire,‌ they are on the right path. We need to recover quickly, but if we⁢ beat Israel they‌ will go‍ out of business, ⁢with ⁤a view to the playoffs.We have a‍ mission: we must grow, work well and⁤ have ⁢more conviction. ‌But in this spirit I am​ very happy.”

The ⁤upcoming match ​against Norway on November⁢ 16th, while not ⁢impacting playoff qualification​ due to Norway’s significant goal ⁤difference (+19), will serve as a valuable⁣ test‍ for the team.