In the fifth round of Group I of the European qualifiers for the World Cup, Italy faced Estonia at the Stadio della Squadra Azzurra. In the first half, Reteghi’s powerful shot caused danger and his header hit the crossbar, while Kean missed a great chance. Estonia had zero shots on target. In the second half, Reteghi assisted Kean for a header to break the deadlock, then scored himself with a low shot to extend the lead. Raspadori added a header, Reteghi scored another header, and Bastoni sealed the victory with a stoppage-time header. Italy eventually defeated Estonia 5-0, trailing the group leaders by six points with one game in hand, marking Gattuso’s debut as coach with a winning start.
Key Match Events:
57’ – Italy breaks the deadlock! Di Marco crosses from the left to the near post, Reteghi flicks it on to Kean, who heads into the net. Italy 1-0 Estonia.
68’ – Italy extends the lead! Raspadori passes from the left to Reteghi, who scores with a low shot from the top of the arc. Italy 2-0 Estonia.
70’ – Italy scores again! Politano crosses from the right, Raspadori heads home at the near post. Italy 3-0 Estonia.
88’ – Italy adds another goal! Cambiaso delivers from the left, Reteghi heads into the net. Italy 4-0 Estonia.
92’ – Italy completes the rout! Raspadori crosses from the left, Bastoni heads in at the far post. Italy 5-0 Estonia.
Match Highlights:
3’ – Politano attempts his signature cut-in shot from the right edge of the box, slightly wide.
16’ – Reteghi spins near the penalty spot and shoots, narrowly missing the far post.
20’ – Zaccani cuts in from the left and shoots, saved; Di Marco’s follow-up is also blocked by Hein.
25’ – Reteghi is fouled in the box by Kusk, but the referee takes no action.
38’ – Reteghi heads the ball on from the edge of the box to Kean, whose fierce shot goes over the bar.
45+1’ – Half-time: Italy 0-0 Estonia
47’ – Di Lorenzo shoots from the right edge, ball hits a defender’s hand, no penalty given.
53’ – Di Marco crosses from the left; the first attempt is cleared, Tonali’s volley is brilliantly saved by Hein.
90+5’ – Full-time: Italy 5-0 Estonia
