Estonia 1-3 Italy: Gattuso´s men secure crucial qualifying win

Claim up to &pound/€50 free sports match bet. Enter promo code: F50. New customers only.

Sign up with F25 promo code for up to &pound25 free matched bet. New customers only.

Italy maintained their perfect record under Gennaro Gattuso with a crucial 3-1 win in Estonia in World Cup qualifying, ensuring they did not lose further ground on rivals Norway.

Having seen Norway pull nine points clear at the top of Group I with a dominant 5-0 win over Israel earlier on Saturday, the Azzurri moved back within six points with a game in hand and a head-to-head meeting with Erling Haaland and company to come.

The visitors wasted no time in going ahead as Moise Kean curled into the far corner after taking on Marten Kuusk just four minutes in, though the Fiorentina striker did not last much longer before limping off injured.

Federico Dimarco’s clearance almost defected in off Rocco Shein, but Italy had a golden chance to double their lead when Mateo Retegui hit the deck under Kuusk’s challenge inside the area. However, Retegui’s penalty was brilliantly tipped onto the right post by Karl Hein.

Retegui made amends in the 38th minute, though, as he swept home after being found by Riccardo Orsolini’s cutback from the right, with the goal surviving a VAR check for offside.