With only two matches left to play, Italy still hold hope of securing a direct spot at the 2026 World Cup, though their margin for error is razor-thin. The upcoming clashes against Moldova and Norway in the UEFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers will determine whether the four-time world champions can avoid the dreaded playoff. That journey begins this Thursday.

The Italian national team approaches the final stretch of qualifying with two decisive fixtures remaining: a visit to Moldova followed by a home match against Norway in Milan. Italy currently sit second in Group I, just behind leaders Norway. With that scenario, the Azzurra still have a mathematical chance of earning automatic qualification, but the path forward is narrowing quickly.

It has been 11 years since the four-time world champio

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