Buongiorno: ‘World Cup play-offs will be very difficult for Italy’

Alessandro Buongiorno is expecting ‘difficult matches’ in the 2026 World Cup play-offs, as Italy find even six victories are not enough to qualify directly.

The Azzurri knew going onto the pitch in Chisinau that they had no real chance of catching Norway at the top of Group I, as they have a 100 per cent record and a vastly superior goal difference following the 4-1 victory over Estonia.

This perhaps affected the mentality of the Nazionale in Moldova, where they had to wait until the 88th minute to break through with Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito headers.

“We created many chances and had lots of attempts on goal, so although we only scored at the end, we are happy with the performance,” Buongiorno told RAI Sport.

“We didn’t give up and the victory arrived eventually.”

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Moldova 0-2 Italy

There were only three players in the starting XI left over from the previous match last month against Israel, as Gennaro Gattuso rotated his squad.

“The coach has faith in everyone, and we all work together in training. Moldova defended very deep and we attacked from start to finish, deserving the win.”

It is the first time Italy have ever won six games in a World Cup qualifying group, yet it will not be enough to avoid the play-offs yet again.

“It’s really disappointing, but now we’ve got to focus on ourselves, starting with Norway on Sunday and then whoever we get next,” added Buongiorno.

The play-offs will be in March 2026, starting with a semi-final and then the final for a spot at the tournament next summer.

“They will certainly be difficult matches, so we’ve got to be ready and give our best.”

This is the stage at which the Azzurri faltered in both 2018 and 2022.