Where to Watch Italy vs Estonia: Preview tonight's World Cup Qualifier
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues tonight as Italy take on Estonia in Group I of the European qualifiers. It’s a game that carries weight for both sides, though for very different reasons.
Kick-Off and Broadcast Details
The match will be staged at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm UK time (2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT in the United States).
UK viewers can watch the game on Prime Video, where it is being shown on a pay-per-view basis for £2.49.
US fans can catch the action live via Fubo and ViX.
This makes the clash easily accessible for those wanting to see whether Italy can steady their campaign or whether Estonia might finally spring a shock.
Italy’s Situation
Italy remain one of world football’s great enigmas. Four-time World Cup winners, they have somehow missed the last two tournaments despite lifting the European Championship in 2021. The pain of those failures has made this qualifying campaign all the more tense.
A bruising 3–0 defeat to Norway earlier this year cost the previous coach his job, with Gennaro Gattuso stepping in to try to inject fight and unity into the squad. The former midfield enforcer has already called up fresh talent, including highly rated youngsters Giovanni Leoni and Francesco Pio Esposito, in the hope of building a new foundation.
Italy began their campaign with mixed results, losing heavily to Norway but bouncing back with a 2–0 win against Moldova. They come into tonight sitting third in Group I with three points from their first two matches, already needing consistency to avoid another qualification disaster.
Estonia’s Challenge
For Estonia, the dream remains simply to reach a major tournament. The Baltic nation has never qualified for a World Cup or European Championship and has struggled to match Europe’s elite.
Their record against Italy is daunting: six games, six defeats, and no goals scored in the last three meetings. The most recent clash came in 2020, when Italy ran out 4–0 winners in a friendly.
Estonia opened this qualifying campaign with a 2–1 loss to Israel. They currently sit level on points with Italy, albeit having played more games, and know even a draw in Bergamo would represent a huge achievement.
Group I Picture
At this stage of qualifying, Norway are setting the pace with four wins from four. Israel are second, having picked up two wins and a loss, while Italy and Estonia are chasing with three points each. Moldova remain bottom without a point.
For Italy, a win tonight is essential to keep Norway in sight and avoid slipping into a dangerous position. For Estonia, it is about pride, progress, and perhaps making life uncomfortable for one of Europe’s giants.
Key Players to Watch
Italy – Federico Chiesa
Chiesa remains Italy’s most dangerous attacking outlet. His direct dribbling, pace, and eye for goal make him a constant threat from the wing. With the team still adjusting to Gattuso’s leadership, Chiesa’s creativity could unlock Estonia’s defence.
Italy – Gianluigi Donnarumma
As captain and first-choice goalkeeper, Donnarumma has to provide stability. Italy’s recent defensive wobbles mean his presence and leadership will be vital to keeping calm at the back.
Estonia – Karl Hein
The 23-year-old goalkeeper, who plays his club football in England, will almost certainly be the busiest player on the pitch. If Estonia are to take anything from this match, Hein will need the performance of his career.
Estonia – Rauno Sappinen
A hardworking forward with an eye for goal, Sappinen will look to pounce on rare counter-attacking opportunities. His movement and composure could be crucial if Estonia find themselves with a chance to shock the hosts.
Predicted Lineups
Italy (4-3-3):
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Mancini, Dimarco; Barella, Jorginho, Pellegrini; Chiesa, Scamacca, Raspadori.
Estonia (4-4-2):
Hein; Teniste, Paskotsi, Mets, Kuusk; Sappinen, Käit, Vassiljev, Poom; Anier, Zenjov.
Prediction
Italy have the home crowd behind them and a point to prove under their new manager. Estonia will dig in, but history and quality suggest this could be another one-sided affair.
Predicted Score: Italy 3–0 Estonia
Other Matches Tonight
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, there’s another mouthwatering tie: Ukraine vs France, which kicks off at the same time (7:45pm UK). That match could have major implications in its own group as the French continue their push to book an early ticket to North America.
Final Word
While Italy are overwhelming favourites, the tension surrounding their qualification path means nothing can be taken for granted. Estonia may not have the pedigree, but their resilience and desire to make history should not be dismissed.
For fans in the UK, the chance to watch this crucial clash live for just £2.49 on Prime Video is an easy decision. Expect passion, intensity, and plenty of pressure as the Azzurri look to prove they still belong among the world’s best.
