Moise Kean ‘enjoyed’ Italy’s 5-0 victory over Estonia and is relishing the opportunity to play alongside Mateo Retegui in the attack-minded Gennaro Gattuso system.
If there used to be doubts over whether Kean or Retegui would lead the Azzurri line under Luciano Spalletti, then Gattuso swept those away by playing them both from the start against Estonia.
He also added in Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano for a 4-2-3-1 formation, which resulted in the 5-0 victory, with Fiorentina striker Kean getting the first goal of the Gattuso era.
It was rounded out by a Matteo Retegui brace, Giacomo Raspadori and Alessandro Bastoni.
Kean embracing new Italy tactics
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: In this photo taken from a remote camera from behind the goal) Moise Kean of Italy scores his team’s a first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“We had a lot of fun, as this is the joy of football, you ought to be enjoying it,” Kean told Sky Sport Italia.
“I get along with Mateo, he is a great striker, and we proved today that we can work together. We hope to score many more goals together.”
Said sticks that Gattuso passed along his legendary grit and determination, also in the form of “a few slaps to wake us up,” so was Kean on the end of those too?
“He fires us up and it was what we needed. I hope to do even better in the next games,” replied the centre-forward.
“The coach asks a lot of us, he’s so determined, brings so much heart, and it can only do us good.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Moise Kean of Italy in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Italy will be back on the field in Debrecen, Hungary, on Monday evening for the next 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel.
That is a crucial match, as Israel are second in Group I behind Norway after tonight’s 4-0 win away to Moldova.
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