Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso rotated heavily for the Azzurri’s 2–0 win over Moldova, initially resting all five Inter Milan players in his squad, with Nicolò Barella suspended and Alessandro Bastoni left on the bench.

However, Inter’s influence still proved decisive once changes were made.

Substitute Francesco Pio Esposito scored Italy’s second goal.

Meanwhile, Federico Dimarco provided the late assist that broke the deadlock.

Esposito & Dimarco Decisive For Inter & Italy

Inter Milan Federico Dimarco
MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 12: Federico Dimarco of FC Internazionale acknowledges the fans during the warm up prior to the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 12, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, both Nerazzurri stars made a strong impact when called upon, showing personality and quality in the final stages.

Pio Esposito – 6.5/10: “His spirit pushes him as much as his courage and technique. A first-time volley deserved a better outcome but was too central. Rewarded with the 2–0 goal.”

Federico Dimarco – 6/10: “Booed by the Chisinau crowd after a midfield challenge, but within a few bursts of pace he found the assist that unlocked Moldova’s defence in the 88th minute.”

Davide Frattesi also came off the bench but far too late to have any meaningful impact.

Barella will return from suspension for the next qualifier.

Meanwhile Gattuso is expected to rotate again as Italy prepare to face Norway.