180 decisive minutes. It’s do or die, at least as far as direct qualification is concerned.
Gattuso’s Italy is preparing to face Moldova in Chisinau first, and then Norway at San Siro, in a double-header that will mark the end of the UEFA qualification journey for the World Cup scheduled next year in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
The victory in Udine against Israel during the October break mathematically secured a playoff spot in March, although the Azzurri are hoping for a sensational twist in the last two matchdays and a photo-finish overtake of Haaland and company.
🔥 Italy, another playoff?
If they qualify for the playoffs, it would be Italy’s third consecutive playoff. And the previous ones certainly don’t bring back positive memories…
In 2017, Ventura’s Italy was eliminated by Sweden and did not participate in the World Cup in Russia, while in 2022, the defeat against North Macedonia condemned the Azzurri to miss the tournament in Qatar.
🔍 Calculations and scenarios: what’s needed for 1st place?
To clinch first place and direct qualification, Italy needs a very specific combination of results.
Gattuso’s Azzurri must beat Moldova and Norway, earning 6 points, while the Scandinavian team must at most draw against Estonia in the match scheduled today at 18:00.
🏆 How do the playoffs work?
If that doesn’t happen, Gattuso’s Italy will have to go through the playoffs to qualify for the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The draw to determine the matchups will take place on November 20 in Zurich.
Italy will be seeded and will play the semifinal at home on March 26, with possible opponents including Sweden, Wales, North Macedonia, Romania, Northern Ireland, Moldova, or San Marino.
If they win, the final is scheduled for March 31, on neutral ground, against the winner of another semifinal.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
📸 STEFANO RELLANDINI – AFP or licensors
