Orsolini: ‘Italy had unbalanced attacking approach, but we knew that’

Riccardo Orsolini acknowledges Italy ‘had an unbalanced attacking system’ against Estonia , but it was a risk they had to take with new roles for this World Cup qualifier.

The Azzurri were largely dominant in Tallinn, taking the lead after five minutes with Moise Kean’s goal before he limped off with a sprained ankle, then Mateo Retegui had a penalty saved and scored the second from the Orsolini assist.

After the break, Francesco Pio Esposito got his first senior goal at 20, but Gianluigi Donnarumma fumbled a simple cross for Rauno Sappinen to ruin the clean sheet.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Estonia 1-3 Italy

With Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano injured, Orsolini and Giacomo Raspadori were started in unusual wide roles for the 4-4-2 formation, which was perhaps closer to a 4-2-4.

Italy celebrate during the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn (@azzurri)

“It was an unusual position for me, but this is what the game required,” Orsolini told Sky Sport Italia after the 3-1 victory.

“The coach asked us to make sure we were always on the attack, and we had the right approach in a difficult place to play. Don’t forget Norway struggled here and only won 1-0.

“The important thing was to win, give a sense of consistency, and now we can focus on Tuesday’s match.”

That will be against Israel in Udine, the opportunity to practically lock down second place in World Cup qualifying Group I, as Norway seem out of reach on goal difference.

Moise Kean and Giovanni Di Lorenzo celebrate Italy’s opener against Estonia in Tallinn (@azzurri)

“We had to be wary today, especially when we lost the ball, because they were dangerous on the counter-attack. We played in quite an unbalanced attacking system, but we knew that was something we had to do,” added Orsolini.

“We brought home the three points, now we’ll see what happens next.”