Our Prediction for Estonia vs Italy 11/10/2025
Italy travel to Tallinn looking to close the gap on Group I leaders Norway, while Estonia aim to claim a result that could revive their campaign. Luciano Spalletti’s side have recovered well after an early defeat and remain strong favourites to qualify comfortably.
Estonia will rely on discipline and compact defending, hoping to frustrate Italy’s rhythm, but the visitors’ technical quality and attacking depth should be too much. Expect Italy to dominate the ball and create chances throughout.
Predicted scoreline: Estonia 0–3 Italy
Italy Form Analysis
Italy have made a steady start to qualifying, collecting nine points from their opening four matches. They recorded comfortable wins over Moldova and Israel, before losing narrowly to Norway away from home. The Azzurri responded with an assured performance last time out, restoring confidence ahead of their trip to Tallinn.
Luciano Spalletti’s team continue to play with structure and control. Nicolò Barella and Davide Frattesi have dictated the tempo in midfield, while Lorenzo Pellegrini adds balance and creativity in advanced areas. Federico Chiesa remains a key attacking threat from the right, with Gianluca Scamacca providing a strong presence up front.
At the back, Alessandro Bastoni and Giovanni Di Lorenzo bring organisation and calmness, and Gianluigi Donnarumma’s authority in goal gives Italy security. The system is built on patient passing and pressing from the front, making them difficult to play through.
Estonia Form Analysis
Estonia have struggled for consistency in Group I, managing just one win from five qualifiers. Their only victory came against Moldova, while they’ve suffered defeats to Norway and Israel. Manager Thomas Häberli has his side well organised defensively, but their lack of creativity in attack continues to limit results.
Goalkeeper Karl Jakob Hein has been a standout performer, showing composure and agility despite facing heavy pressure in most matches. Veteran midfielder Konstantin Vassiljev remains a leader in the dressing room, while Rauno Sappinen works tirelessly up front, though service to him has been scarce.
Estonia are expected to sit deep and defend in numbers, relying on long passes and set pieces to create chances. Against an opponent of Italy’s calibre, their challenge will be to stay compact and avoid early goals that could open the game up.
Best Betting Odds for Estonia vs Italy
Last Encounters Between Estonia and Italy
Which Teams Will Qualify from Group I
Norway’s perfect start has put them in control, while Italy remain favourites to secure second place and automatic qualification. Israel could still challenge for a play-off position, but Estonia and Moldova appear likely to finish in the lower half of the group.
Italy’s blend of experience and youth gives them the quality to progress comfortably to the World Cup.
Players That Used to Play in the EFL
Karl Jakob Hein – The Arsenal goalkeeper spent part of the 2021–22 season on loan at Reading in the Championship, gaining valuable first-team experience. That short spell in the EFL helped accelerate his development, improving his command of the box and composure in possession. He has since returned to Arsenal, where he continues to serve as a promising backup option and Estonia’s number one.
Ragnar Klavan – The former Liverpool centre-back spent two seasons in England before moving to Cagliari and later returning to Estonia. While no longer part of the national setup, Klavan’s professionalism and influence remain widely respected. His time in English football helped raise the bar for a generation of Estonian defenders, setting a lasting standard for those who followed.
