Italy vs Moldova Preview & Prediction | 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying (UEFA)

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Still reeling from their loss to Norway, Italy host Moldova in what appears to be Luciano Spalletti's final game in charge of the Azzurri.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Fox Sports

How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – Fubo

Key stats

• Italy won all the previous five international matches between these teams, including two matches each in the qualifying campaigns for the 1998 and 2006 World Cups.
• Italy have won only one of their last seven World Cup qualifying matches (D4 L2).
• Italy have not scored a goal in their last three World Cup qualifying matches.
• Italy have never started a World Cup qualifying campaign with successive defeats.
• Moldova are without a win in their last 22 World Cup qualifying matches (D3 L19). Last FWCQ victory was October 2013 vs Montenegro (a) W 5-2.

Italy vs Moldova prediction

In an unusual state of affairs, Luciano Spalletti will take charge of Italy for this World Cup qualifier despite announcing himself that he had been sacked in the wake of the Azzurri's 3-0 defeat to Norway on Friday.

Spalletti had been in charge for less than two years since taking over from Roberto Mancini, and it's unclear how the players will respond here with the knowledge that he will be departing in the aftermath.

Regardless, the hosts should still have too much quality for a Moldova side who are yet to put a point on the board in Group I.

With the confidence in the Italian camp sure to be low, this may not be the rout that many expect, although an Italian win does seem a given given the gulf in class between the two nations.

Italy vs Moldova tip: Under 3.5 goals