Italy will look to strengthen their automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they travel to Tallinn to face Estonia in a qualifier match on Saturday.
The Estonia national football team have poor form on their back, having been winless in their last four matches and only collected one victory in their qualifiers. Jurgen Henn's men suffered summer losses against Israel and Norway and got thrashed by Italy before picking up a point against Andorra in a goalless draw last time out.
Italy, on the other side, bounced back from a 0-3 humbling by Norway and has three consecutive matches on the trot. The 2006 FIFA world champion defeated Moldova before thrashing Estonia and Israel last month. With three wins in four outings, they are placed second in Group I.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Estonia vs. Italy live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this World Cup qualifier match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: Fubo PPV
This match is not available for live TV broadcast in the United States. Streaming options are available on Fubo PPV.
The following UEFA World Cup qualifiers are available on pay-per-view basis on Fubo for $9.99 each or you can purchase all five matches for $24.99 (a saving of 50%).
Sweden vs. Switzerland
Estonia vs. Italy
Denmark vs. Greece
Wales vs. Belgium
Portugal vs. Hungary
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What time does Estonia vs. Italy kick off?
This World Cup qualifier match takes place at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn, Estonia and kicks off on Saturday, October 11 at 9:45 p.m. local time (EEST).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Oct. 11 | 2:45 p.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Oct. 11 | 1:45 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Oct. 11 | 12:45 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Oct. 11 | 11:45 a.m. |
Estonia vs. Italy lineups, team news
For Estonia, they have a relatively smaller squad to select a formidable lineup against Italy. PAOK forward Karel Mustmaa has been called up for the first time.
In other good news, Captain Karol Mets returns after missing last month's games through injury. However, veteran striker Henri Anier is suspended, meaning Rauno Sappinen will lead their attack.
Goalkeeper Karl Hein, who recently impressed everyone for his loan to Werder Bremen, is likely to be in the starting XI.
Estonia predicted starting XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Hein (GK) — Schjonning-Larsen, Kuusk, Paskotsi, Saliste — Shein, Palumets — Yakovlev, Kait, Sinyavskiy — Sappinen.
Injured: None
Suspended: Henri Anier
With a relatively weaker opposition in front, Italy will be interested in fielding a four-man defense on Saturday.
The Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean duo had an impressive outing last month—scoring three goals between them—and both are likely to pair up against Estonia as well.
Napoli's Matteo Politano and Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni have both withdrawn from the squad due to injury. Meanwhile, Leonardo Spinazzola and Roberto Piccoli were drafted immediately as their cover.
Bryan Cristante's return to the squad boosts the midfield options for Italy, while Kean could make his debut on Saturday.
Italy predicted starting XI (4-4-2, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco — Orsolini, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali — Kean, Retegui.
Injured: Politano, Zaccagni
Suspended: None
UEFA World Cup Qualifying schedule this week
All times are ET
Saturday, October 11
- Latvia vs. Andorra (9 a.m.)
- Norway vs. Israel (12 p.m.)
- Hungary vs. Armenia (12 p.m.)
- Bulgaria vs. Turkey (2:45 p.m.)
- Spain vs. Georgia (2:45 p.m.)
- Portugal vs. Ireland (2:45 p.m.)
- Estonia vs. Italy (2:45 p.m.)
- Serbia vs. Albania (2:45 p.m.)
Sunday, October 12
- San Marino vs. Cyprus (9 a.m.)
- Faroe Islands vs. Czechia (12 p.m.)
- Netherlands vs. Finland (12 p.m.)
- Scotland vs. Belarus (12 p.m.)
- Croatia vs. Gibraltar (2:45 p.m.)
- Denmark vs. Greece (2:45 p.m.)
- Lithuania vs. Poland (2:45 p.m.)
- Romania vs. Australia (2:45 p.m.)