Get ready, football fans! Tonight, Italy hosts Moldova at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia in a make-or-break qualifier for World Cup 2026. With Italy smarting from their recent defeat in Norway and coach Luciano Spalletti confirmed to depart after this match, the Azzurri are desperate to respond—and respond in style. Moldova, ranked well below their hosts, will look to spoil the party and make their mark.
Italy enters this match under unique circumstances. After an unexpected loss to Norway, Spalletti announced he'll step down after tonight. Expect an energized, edge-driven performance as players seek to send their coach off with a win. Veterans like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Nicolò Barella, Giacomo Raspadori, and Mateo Retegui are tipped to lead a front-loaded attack.
Moldova comes in off a tough 5-0 defeat to Norway, but they’ve shown resilience in recent years—especially in home qualifiers. They'll aim to sit deep, hit on the counter, and cling to belief. However, their all-time record vs. Italy is stark—five losses from five meetings, conceding heavily.
Head-to-head, Italy has always dominated, with recent wins of 6-0 and 1-0. Playing at home, the Azzurri are heavy favorites to end this qualifying campaign with a convincing victory. Look for an attacking start, clear intent, and few signs of complacency despite the coaching change.
