The Cult of Calcio
Qualification for next summer’s FIFA World Cup is on the line for Italy as they take on Moldova in a must-win qualifier. Gennaro Gattuso’s men have no margin for error at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau if they’re to stay within striking distance of Group I leaders Norway.
After missing out on back-to-back World Cup finals, failure is not an option for the four-time world champions. However, an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening qualifying match could make all the difference in a fiercely contested battle for top spot in Group I.
Despite winning all five qualifiers in the aftermath of the Oslo fiasco, Italy’s hopes of securing automatic qualification are…
