In danger of missing the cut for the third straight FIFA World Cup, former champions Italy will look to get their qualifying campaign on track when they host Estonia on Friday.
After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening Group I match, Italy bounced back with a 2-0 win over Moldova in their previous qualifier. However, the Azzurri are still nine points off group leaders Norway and have a long way to go before they lock in a berth at the most coveted competition in soccer.
On the other hand, Estonia have had a torrid start to their qualifying campaign, with their 1-0 loss to Norway last time out meaning they have lost three of their opening four qualifiers.
Italy and Estonia are in Group I of the European Qualifiers, along with Norway, Moldova and Israel. The top team in group will qualify for next year's finals in North America automatically, while the runners-up will enter the playoff round.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the weekly schedule.
Italy vs. Estonia 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
This match is not available for live TV broadcast in the US. Streaming options are available on Fubo.
The following UEFA World Cup qualifiers are available on pay-per-view basis on Fubo for $19.99 each:
- Netherlands vs. Poland
- Italy vs. Estonia
- Turkey vs. Spain
- Serbia vs. England
Fans also have the option to purchase a bunch of all four matches for $24.99 on Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Italy vs. Estonia kick off?
This World Cup qualifier clash takes place at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy and kicks off on Friday, September 5 at 8:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Fri, Sep. 5 | 2:45 p.m. |
| Central Time | Fri, Sep. 5 | 1:45 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Fri, Sep. 5 | 12:45 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Fri, Sep. 5 | 11:45 a.m. |
Italy vs. Estonia lineups, team news
Gennaro Gattuso has an eye-catching squad to pick from including recent Manchester City arrival Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The giant No.1 will captain Italy once again alongside fellow Premier League stars Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali.
Serie A-based players make up the majority of Gattuso's panel including Inter Milan trio Nicolo Barella, Alssandro Bastoni and Davide Frattesi.
Italy predicted starting XI (3-5-2, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori — Cambiaso, Frattesi, Barella, Tonali, Dimarco — Raspadori, Retegui.
Injured: Buongiorno, Gabbia.
Suspended: None
Estonia's slim qualification chances may already be over following two losses to Israel and one to Norway across four qualifiers.
Jurgen Henn's squad are majority based in Estonia with Arsenal goal keeper Karl Hein the standout name.
Estonia predicted starting XI (4-5-1, right to left): Hein (GK) — Schjønning-Larsen, Paskotši, Ruusk, Saliste — Kait, Palumets, Shein, Soomets, Sinyavskiy — Sappinen.
Injured: Hussar, Lepik.
Suspended: None
Key UEFA World Cup qualifiers this week
All times ET
Thursday, September 4
- Slovakia vs. Germany (2:45 p.m.)
- Bulgaria vs. Spain (2:45 p.m.)
- Netherlands vs. Poland (2:45 p.m.)
Friday, September 5
- Ukraine vs. France (2:45 p.m.)
- Italy vs. Estonia (2:45 p.m.)
Saturday, September 6
- Portugal vs. Armenia (12:00 p.m.)
- England vs. Andorra (12:00 p.m.)