Sat Sep 06 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Italy Thrash Estonia 5-0 in World Cup Qualifier, Gattuso Era Begins with a Bang
**Bergamo, Italy – September 6, 2025 (09:05 IST)** – Italy emphatically kicked off the Gennaro Gattuso era with a dominant 5-0 victory over Estonia in a World Cup qualifier held on Friday. After a frustrating first hour, the Azzurri unleashed a scoring spree in the final stages of the second half, transforming their dominance into a resounding win.
The pressure was palpable on new manager Gattuso, following Italy’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway in June, which led to Luciano Spalletti’s dismissal. Italy currently sits third in Group I with six points, trailing Norway (12 points) and Israel (9 points), both of whom have played one more game. Estonia languishes in fourth place with three points after five matches.
Italy, desperate to qualify for the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico after missing the last two editions, controlled the first half but were repeatedly denied by a stellar performance from Estonian goalkeeper Karl Hein. Hein notably tipped Mateo Retegui’s header onto the crossbar just before halftime.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 58th minute when Moise Kean headed home from close range after a clever back-heel flick from Retegui. Retegui then doubled the lead in the 69th minute with a precise shot, followed swiftly by Giacomo Raspadori’s diving header just a minute later. Retegui secured his brace in the 89th minute with another header, and Alessandro Bastoni completed the rout with a fifth goal deep into stoppage time.
The victory provides a much-needed boost for Italy and signals a positive start for Gattuso’s tenure. The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue their quest to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup.
First Piper 