Italy vs Estonia briefly halted as mobile phone rang on the pitch | OneFootball

The World Cup qualifying fixture between Italy and Estonia on Friday was halted for a few seconds as the referee spotted a mobile phone ringing on the pitch.

Italy’s home game against Estonia on Friday was suspended for a few seconds around minute two as referee João Pinheiro saw a mobile phone on the turf.

Why Italy-Estonia was suspended for a few seconds

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: In this photo taken from a remote camera from behind the goal) Moise Kean of Italy scores his team’s a first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

It wasn’t immediately clear why the game could not resume, but then Rai Sport explained that the referee saw a mobile phone on the pitch, so he had to collect it and give it to the fourth official.

According to Repubblica, the mobile phone was even ringing, which is probably why the referee spotted it so quickly.

Convincing Italy win on Gattuso’s debut

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

It later emerged that the mobile phone belonged to a staff member working at the stadium and responsible for placing and removing the additional advertising boards on the pitch before kick-off.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Mateo Retegui of Italy celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Italy eventually secured a 5-0 win thanks to goals from Mateo Retegui (brace), Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadori and Alessandro Bastoni.