San Siro Awaits Miracle, Italy Must Win by 9 Goals Against Norway

Italy keeps their hopes alive. But to automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the mission awaiting them in the final match against Norway at San Siro, Monday, November 17, 2025, early morning Western Indonesian Time (WIB), feels like mission impossible. The hosts must win by a nine-goal margin.

The 2-0 victory over Moldova at the Zimbru Stadium, Chisinau, in the UEFA European Zone Group I Qualifier, Friday, November 14, 2025, early morning, does indeed leave Italy holding onto a mathematical chance. But the Azzurri need a miracle to qualify directly. 

The victory in Moldova came via two late goals and that makes the situation feel increasingly heavy. Italy started the match aggressively, constantly pressing Moldova:

Gianluca Scamacca forced goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar into making an important save. However, the dominance throughout the match remained fruitless until the crucial minutes.

Only in the 88th minute did Italy break the deadlock. Gianluca Mancini scored the opening goal after receiving a perfect pass from Federico Marco. 1-0 to Italy.

In injury time, Francesco Pio Esposito sealed the victory with a header meeting Matteo Politano's free kick in the 90+2 minute. 

Standings: Italy's Greatest Enemy

With this win, Italy collected 18 points from seven matches, but remains stuck in second place in Group I, three points behind Norway.

To qualify automatically without going through the play-offs, Sandro Tonali and his teammates must not only win but also do so by a nine-goal margin. 

At the international football level, especially against a team as strong as Norway, this isn't just difficult, it's borderline absurd.

But as long as the chance isn't zero, the San Siro crowd will surely still cling to hope.

Awaiting a Miracle or Bitter Reality

Italy has done the first part by winning against Moldova. But the second part is what separates history from reality.

Gattuso might again demand high intensity, nonstop pressure, and bravery – but nine goals? That's already in the realm of football miracles.

Yet football never lives without hope.

And this Monday early morning, that hope will be tested on the stage most familiar to legends, San Siro.