Italy vs Moldova form
Italy just had a disastrous start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Traveling to Oslo, the Azzurri were not considered inferior to the hosts Norway.
However, after 90 minutes of competition, coach Luciano Spalletti and his team had to leave the field with a humiliating 0-3 defeat.
A comprehensive defeat in Northern Europe has put Italy on the alert once again. The Azzurri have allowed their main rivals Norway to create a gap of up to 9 points.
Even if they win in the second leg, Tonali and his teammates' chances of taking the top spot in Group I are not high, especially when the remaining names in the group such as Israel, Estonia or Moldova will find it difficult to hold back Norway.
But whether or not the dark scenario of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup will come to Italy in a few months. For now, Spalletti and his team must focus on fighting for at least second place in the group, thereby salvaging their hopes through the play-offs.
Of course, it was not until after the defeat in Norway that people realized the decline of Italian football. Because except for the rare bright spot when unexpectedly winning Euro 2020, football in the boot-shaped country has shown too many negative signs.
From the old Serie tournament system to the outdated youth talent training structure,... Italian football is gradually lacking world- class stars.
Returning to the current difficulties, coach Spalletti's first task is certainly to solve the mental problem for his students.
A convincing victory against the lowest-rated opponent in the group like Moldova promises to be a much-needed medicine for the home team.
In the last encounter between the two sides, Italy defeated the representative from Northern Europe with a score of 6-0 in a friendly match. Previously, in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, the Azzurri only won by a narrow margin after two matches against Moldova with scores of 1-0 and 2-1.
The chances of Moldova creating a surprise are quite low. Despite playing at home in the two matches so far, the team under the direction of coach Jurgen Henn has lost both matches to Norway (0-5) and Estonia (2-3). A few days ago, Moldova also lost 0-2 in a friendly match with Poland.
After a run of four games of only draws and losses, Italy will have the chance to find the taste of victory again. If even the easiest task cannot be completed, the disaster scenario will indeed come sooner than expected for Gli Azzurri.
Italy vs Moldova squad information
Italy: Defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno and Matteo Gabbia are regrettable absences for the home team.
Moldova: Key winger Maxim Cojocaru is unavailable due to suspension.
Expected lineup Italy vs Moldova
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Ranieri, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Retegui
Moldova: Avram; Platica, Posmac, Baboglo, Mudrac, Reabciuk; Caicamov, Motpan, Rata, Ionita; Nicolaescu
Prediction: 3-0
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/nhan-dinh-tran-dau-italia-vs-moldova-1h45-ngay-106-tran-cau-song-con-cho-niem-tin-sot-lai-141228.html
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