Italy beat Moldova 2-0 in the penultimate match of the World Cup qualifiers in Chisinau.
The Azzurri had already secured a place in the qualifiers, but hopes of finishing first in Group I were mathematically dashed after Norway earlier beat Estonia 4-1.
However, Gennaro Gattuso’s side appeared to be frustrated by the bottom-placed Moldova side – until Gianluca Mancini headed home two minutes from time, and substitute Francesco Pio Esposito then scored with another header during stoppage time.
Italy got off to a bright start at the Stadio Zimbro, with Gianluca Scamaca setting up Giacomo Raspadori at goal, but his shot was blocked at the near post.
Roma midfielder Brian Cristante back-heeled a shot from a corner kick that Moldovan goalkeeper Andrej Cujojar shot around the post.
Riccardo Orsolini sent his effort from 20 yards over the goal as Italy continued to keep the hosts under pressure.
Bologna striker Orsolini participated again in the 25th minute when he shot a free kick that went wide of the goal and defender Mancini shot the ball over the crossbar.
Moldova finally threatened when Mihail Stefan evaded a quick counter-attack and Virgilio Postolacci sent a cross over.
Cristante and then Orsolini each sent efforts wide as Italy finished the first half strongly, but without finding any breakthrough.
Italy remained in front at the start of the second half, with Andrea Cambiasso’s close-range shot blocked by Ioan Kalin Revenco.
Scamacca also fired home a rebound before substitute Pio Esposito tested Cuzujar with a shot straight into the goal and then fired a low shot wide from the edge of the penalty area.
Italy, who next face Norway on Sunday, finally got their reward just two minutes from time when Mancini stooped to glance in a Federico Demarco cross.
Then Pio Esposito scored the second goal with a header after a deep pass from Napoli winger Politano on the right flank to the back post.
Italy could go level on points with group leaders Norway if they win on Sunday, but they are 17 goals behind, making top spot and the automatic bid that goes with it impossible.
This would leave Italy in the 16-team Champions League qualifiers with four World Cup places available.
Information from the PA has been used in this summary.
