Estonia vs Italy – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Estonia and Italy clash this evening at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn.

For the Azzurri, this is a chance to secure another crucial victory in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. For the Baltic nation, this match represents a chance at history, as they search for their first-ever competitive victory against the four-time world champions.

Currently, Italy sit second in Group I with nine points from four matches. They are six points behind the leaders, Norway, but have a game in hand. Therefore, this fixture is crucial for their automatic qualification hopes.

Estonia vs Italy – Match Preview and Team News

Team News

Estonia

Estonia head coach Jürgen Henn receives a major boost with the return of captain Karol Mets. The defender is back after recovering from a long-term knee injury that kept him out for nearly a year. His return is timely, as he will strengthen a defence that has conceded 13 goals in five qualifying matches.

However, Estonia will be without veteran striker Henri Anier, who is suspended for this encounter. This leaves Rauno Sappinen to lead the attacking line, with the team looking to end a goalless run that has lasted over 300 minutes.

Goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein, on loan at Werder Bremen from Arsenal, will start between the posts. The 23-year-old has impressed despite his team’s struggles, and his performance will be crucial to Estonia’s chances. The squad also includes Matvei Igonen, and although he remains under observation after a mild concussion, the team expect him to be available.

Italy

Injuries have forced Gennaro Gattuso to make changes to his squad, with both Matteo Politano and Mattia Zaccagni withdrawing from the original selection. Roberto Piccoli has replaced Zaccagni, earning his first international call-up.

On a positive note, Leonardo Spinazzola returns to the Italy squad for the first time since September 2023, taking Politano’s spot in the group.

In addition, Matteo Gabbia and Bryan Cristante have both earned recalls after extended absences. To add fresh options, Gattuso has also given first senior call-ups to Fiorentina’s Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi.

Up front, the strike partnership of Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui will likely continue. The duo were effective in the reverse fixture, scoring three goals between them.

Form

Estonia

Estonia’s recent qualifying campaign has been disappointing, managing just three points from five matches. Their only victory came against Moldova (3-2) in March, but they have since suffered defeats to Israel (1-3 and 3-1) and Norway (0-1), before being thrashed 5-0 by Italy in September. Their most recent outing was a goalless friendly draw against Andorra.

Italy

Gattuso has maintained a perfect record since taking charge from Luciano Spalletti, with Italy winning both of their matches under the new coach. Following their 5-0 demolition of Estonia in September, the Azzurri secured a dramatic 5-4 victory away to Israel, with Sandro Tonali’s stoppage-time winner sealing three crucial points. Italy’s early qualifying campaign began poorly with a 3-0 defeat in Norway, but they have since recovered strongly.

Predicted lineups

Estonia predicted XI: Hein; Schjonning-Larsen, Kuusk, Paskotsi, Saliste; Shein, Palumets; Yakovlev, Kait, Sinyavskiy; Sappinen

Italy predicted XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Orsolini, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali; Kean, Retegui

How to watch Estonia vs Italy?

UK fans can watch the game live on Prime Video UK.

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