CHIȘINĂU, Moldova (Interstat) — Italy defeated Moldova 2-0 on Thursday in a World Cup qualifier at Stadionul Zimbru, overcoming a physical challenge from the hosts. The match was scoreless until the 88th minute when substitute Gianluca Mancini broke the deadlock. Fellow substitute Francesco Esposito then sealed the victory for the visiting Italians with a goal in the second minute of stoppage time. Moldova’s defense, which saw Daniel Dumbravanu and Ioan-Călin Revenco receive early yellow cards, was ultimately breached by Italy’s late offensive surge. With the win, Italy begins its qualifying campaign with a victory, while Moldova starts with a loss.