FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers: Italy defeated Moldova 2-0 on Monday to earn their first win in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round. It was Luciano Spalletti’s last game as Italy’s coach.
After Italy’s 3-0 loss in Norway in their first group match on Friday, Spalletti announced his own dismissal on Sunday. However, he took command for one more time, and the team’s performance once more demonstrated the need for a change of leadership.
With 12 points from four games, Norway leads Group I, followed by Israel with six points after three games and Italy in third place with three points from two games. Norway triumphed 1-0 in Estonia thanks to a goal from Erling Haaland.
Even though his players complied, Spalletti’s stint on the bench may have been appropriate given that another lackluster performance did not light up the far from full Stadio Citta del Tricolore.
When Ion Nicolaescu hit the net only to have his goal disallowed for offside, the host was given an early wake-up call as Italy’s plodding, predictable build-up play failed to penetrate the visitor’s rearguard.
Italy’s first threat came five minutes before halftime when defender Luca Ranieri, playing his first international match, headed the ball against the crossbar. Raspadori in the box received a headed clearance and scored the first goal into the bottom corner, but Gianluigi Donnarumma parried a long-range attempt by Oleg Reabciuk to give Moldova a point just before halftime.
Italy maintained its lead as Federico Dimarco cleared Daniel Dumbravanu’s header from a corner off the line and Artur Ionita’s follow-up shot missed the far post.
Five minutes into the second half, Cambiaso scored past goalkeeper Cristian Avram after replacement Riccardo Orsolini sent a low ball into the box, which Davide Frattesi knocked on. This gave Italy a two-goal advantage.
Italy seemed uninspired by the two-goal lead. Alessandro Bastoni sent Frattesi through on goal from a ball over the top, but he missed the keeper with his attempt, and Moldova kept creating their own opportunities.
