Italy opt for attacking 4-4-2 vs Estonia, Spinazzola and Raspadori wide | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso's Italy returns to the field for a do-or-die challenge. Against Estonia, in Tallinn, the Azzurri cannot afford any missteps: victory is the only way to stay in the race for the 2026 World Cup.

Italy, an offensive 4-4-2 against Estonia: Spinazzola and Raspadori on the wings to reignite the World Cup run

The situation in Group I of the qualifiers is delicate. Italy is in second place, tied on points with Israel, which has played one more game, and 6 points behind Norway, who are on a roll and have a significantly superior goal difference (+21 compared to +5). Therefore, three points and a wide victory are needed to fuel hopes of direct qualification or at least secure the position ahead of the March playoffs.

Objective victory: no room for error in Tallinn

Gattuso and his team know there will be no room for calculations. Italy must win and score because goal difference could also be decisive. A draw or a loss, at this point, would almost definitively compromise the path to the World Cup, forcing the Azzurri to focus on the playoffs.

The Calabrian coach, however, preaches concentration: “Against Estonia, we must think only of ourselves. We need courage, intensity, and precision in front of the goal,” he reportedly confided in the locker room.

Gattuso's choices: a forward-driven 4-4-2

After the 5-0 win in the first leg in Bergamo, Gattuso will confirm much of the game plan but with two possible significant changes on the flanks.

The formation will be an offensive 4-4-2, with drive and unpredictability on the wings:

On the right, Spinazzola is favored, but the option of Orsolini remains alive for an even more proactive version.

On the left, Raspadori might start as a starter, in the role of an atypical winger capable of cutting inside and creating numerical superiority between the lines.

The goal is clear: to increase offensive threat and support the two forwards, who are called to capitalize on every opportunity.

Towards the playoffs: the draw for opponents on November 21

Even in the event of success in Tallinn and the subsequent match against Israel, Italy will likely have to go through the March 2026 playoffs, where the last European spots for the World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico will be assigned.

The draw is set for November 21 in Zurich. The Azzurri, bolstered by their FIFA ranking which places them among the top seeds, will play the semifinal at home, with the final (if reached) to be played at a drawn venue. An advantage to exploit, but only if the qualification for second place is mathematically secured.

Raspadori and Spinazzola, the key men for the revival

Gattuso relies on two players capable of igniting the Azzurri's play.

Spinazzola, with his experience and driving ability, can break the balance on the flank and create depth.

Raspadori, on the other hand, guarantees unpredictability and movement between the lines, ideal for breaking down the Estonian defense, which tends to sit low and compact.

Two moves that reflect Gattuso's desire to play to win, without waiting. Italy needs goals, enthusiasm, and a strong signal: Tallinn will be the acid test.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.