Credit: X/@Azzurri_En

Italy vs Moldova World Cup Qualifier – Injury News, Match Preview and Predicted Line-Ups

Luciano Spalletti has been sacked as Italy's coach and he will take charge of his final match on Monday against Moldova.

Credit: X/@Azzurri_En

Italy head into Monday night’s clash with Moldova desperate to bounce back after a nightmare start to their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. The Azzurri were outclassed in a humbling 3-0 defeat to Norway, raising fears of a third consecutive absence from the global stage and extending their winless run to four games. As a result, Luciano Spalletti has been sacked as Italy’s coach and he will take charge of his final match against Moldova.

Luciano Spalletti’s side now face a must-win situation in front of their home fans. The Italians will be looking to restore confidence and control in Group I. Their opponents, Moldova, haven’t had much success either as they lost 3-2 to Estonia in their last outing and slipped to consecutive defeats in the qualifiers. Moldova’s goal difference in the World Cup qualifiers is -6.

Despite Italy’s recent slump, they remain strong favourites to secure three points in this fixture. Italy manager Spalletti is expected to make some tweaks here to ensure an improved performance. The Italian fans will want to see their team sign off the international window on a positive note.

Italy vs. Moldova will be Luciano Spalletti's last game as Azzurri head coach.#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/h5emYOlH6t
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 8, 2025

Italy Injury News

Luciano Spalletti will take charge of his final match as Italy head coach on Monday and is expected to stick with his preferred 3-5-2 formation. However, significant personnel changes are likely after the Azzurri’s underwhelming display in their last game.

Young defender Diego Coppola is expected to be dropped. In his place, more experienced options could be considered. Moise Kean, Manuel Locatelli, Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Matteo Gabbia have all pulled out from the Italian squad due to injuries. Meanwhile, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi declined a recall.

To refresh the midfield, Samuele Ricci and Davide Frattesi could be in line to start. Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso is also pushing for a place in the starting XI. Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma will continue in goal as Italy look to open their account in the points table.

Italy Predicted Line-Up

Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Ranieri, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Retegui

Moldova Injury News

Moldova will be without winger Maxim Cojocaru for Monday’s clash in Italy as he is suspended following his red card against Estonia earlier this year. They have no other injury concerns. Up front, Moldova’s all-time leading scorer Ion Nicolaescu will continue to lead the line, with Slaven Belupo forward Mihail Caimacov offering support.

Moldova Predicted Line-Up

Avram; Platica, Posmac, Baboglo, Mudrac, Reabciuk; Caicamov, Motpan, Rata, Ionita; Nicolaescu

Italy

Moldova

World Cup Qualifiers

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.