Esposito scores a comfortable victory with his first goal for the first team

Francesco Pio Esposito celebrates his first goal for Italy against Estonia (@azzurri)

Italy dominated Estonia in Tallinn with goals from Moise Kean, Matteo Letegui and Francesco Pio Esposito, but missed a penalty and let Gianluigi Donnarumma roar.

The Azzurri, under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, beat Estonia 5-0, both in Bergamo, and Israel 5-4 last month. With Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano out injured, Tallinn adopted a more attacking 4-4-2, deploying Riccardo Orsolini and Giacomo Raspadori wide. Estonia defeated Moldova to pick up three points, but lost their remaining four games in the World Cup qualifying group, where Henri Agnier was suspended.

See how it all unfolded in our live blog.

Moise Kean and Giovanni Di Lorenzo celebrate the opening match between Italy and Estonia in Tallinn (@azzurri)

Italy took an early lead when Keane received a through ball from Federico Dimarco, cut inside the defender and slotted his right foot into the bottom corner from 12 yards. This was the Azzurri’s fourth goal in their last three games.

Unfortunately, the Fiorentina striker’s game didn’t last long, as Kean sprained his right ankle during an awkward fall and had to be dragged off, replaced by Inter youngster Francesco Pio Esposito.

Matteo Letegui hit a diagonal drive wide off an assist from Esposito, and Riccardo Calafioli’s header found the back of the net.

Italy were awarded a penalty after Marten Kuscu mistimed a challenge on Retegui and tripped over his ankle, but Estonia captain Karl Hein curled Retegui’s predictable finish into the base of the near post.

Orsolini retreated from the byline and the Al-Cadosia striker opened the scoring from seven yards, before Retegui made up for it with his second.

Matteo Letegui celebrates Italy's goal against Estonia in Tallinn (@Azzurri) — Matteo Letegui celebrates Italy’s goal against Estonia in Tallinn (@Azzurri)

Italy continued to create chances, with Retegui’s lob grazing the crossbar, and moments later Hayne ran off his line to deny Raspadori from Retegui’s flick.

Substitute Andrea Cambiaso took a well-positioned shot at the keeper, but Leonardo Spinazzola was unable to even do so despite being cleared onto goal, hesitating and allowing Rasmus Piatsson to make a crucial tackle in front of goal.

Alessandro Bastoni has been cautioned and will be suspended for Tuesday’s game against Israel.

Italy celebrating 2026 World Cup qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn (@azzurri)

Italy eventually scored their third goal, scoring a historic goal for 20-year-old Esposito, his first goal at the top level. He was poised to score the first goal from 12 yards out with his right foot into the bottom corner of Spinazzola’s low cross from the left.

However, soon after, Gianluigi Donnarumma fumbled a cross from the left and Rauno Sappinen scored from four yards out, reducing Italy’s goal difference once again.

DiMarco tried to score directly from a free kick near the byline, but was forced into a tricky save by Hien.