In a decisive match for Italy’s future in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, Italy defeated Moldova 2-0 at the Città del Tricolore Stadium in Reggio Emilia, easing the pressure after the embarrassing result against Norway. With goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso, the Italian team secured their first three points in Group I, climbing the standings and bidding farewell to coach Luciano Spalletti, who led the Azzurri for the last time in this match.
⚽ First Half: Early scare and Italian response with Raspadori
The match started with Moldova surprising the hosts. In the 9th minute, Ion Nicolaescu received a long pass between the Italian defenders, controlled the ball, and fired into the right corner of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net. The stadium fell silent for a few seconds. However, after a VAR check, the Moldovan striker was ruled offside by a millimeter, and the goal was correctly disallowed.
Italy took time to find their rhythm. The Moldovan defensive lines were well-organized, and Spalletti’s team relied heavily on wing play, with Riccardo Orsolini and Cambiaso trying to break through.
In the 40th minute, the Azzurri finally found the back of the net. In a move built from midfield by Sandro Tonali, the midfielder delivered a cross into the box. The Moldovan defense attempted to clear, but the ball fell to the edge of the area. Raspadori, with class, struck it first-time into the bottom left corner of goalkeeper Ayram Shishanov, who had no chance: 1-0 Italy.
The final minutes of the first half were tense. In the 43rd minute, Donnarumma made a spectacular save from a close-range header by Nicolaescu. A minute later, from the resulting corner, the Italian defense cleared the ball off the line, keeping the score at 1-0 by halftime.
🔁 Second Half: Cambiaso extends lead and Italy controls
The second half began with Moldova threatening again. In the 48th minute, Nicolaescu headed powerfully from a cross, but the ball skimmed the right post, with Donnarumma only watching.
Italy’s response was quick. In the 50nd minute, Orsolini made a great run down the right, cut inside, and delivered a low cross. The ball evaded two Moldovan defenders and found Cambiaso at the far post, who finished with his left foot, beating the goalkeeper: 2-0.
With a comfortable lead, Italy managed possession. Tonali, Davide Frattesi, and Orsolini still had chances to extend the lead, but Shishanov, Moldova’s standout player, made good saves.
In the 78th minute, a concerning scene: Gianluca Mancini clashed heads with a Moldovan player and had to be substituted due to a suspected concussion. The medical team acted quickly, and the player was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
📊 Impact on the standings and team situations
With the result, Italy reached 3 points and moved up to third place in Group I, behind Norway (12 points) and Israel (6 points). Still with a game in hand, the Azzurri can breathe easier and now depend only on themselves to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Moldova remains in last place with zero points and three defeats, practically out of contention for a World Cup berth.
🧠 Tactical: Spalletti bets on control, Moldova relies on mistakes
⭐ Man of the Match: Giacomo Raspadori, Italy’s star of the night
According to UEFA’s official data, the Man of the Match was Giacomo Raspadori, the 25-year-old Napoli forward born in Bentivoglio, Italy. The attacker was crucial in opening the scoring and breaking down Moldova’s defense with a rare display of precision.
Raspadori was involved in 5 decisive attacking actions, drew 3 fouls, and created 2 clear chances. His movement between the lines confused the defense and created space for Orsolini and Cambiaso to attack from the wings.
Beyond the goal, he was Italy’s most dangerous player, proving he could be a key offensive pillar for the team on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
📅 Upcoming fixtures: Italy seeks recovery, Moldova fights for survival
Italy’s next matches:
Italy vs Estonia – 05/09 – World Cup Qualifiers
Israel vs Italy – 08/09 – World Cup Qualifiers
Estonia vs Italy – 11/10 – World Cup Qualifiers
Moldova’s next matches:
Moldova vs Israel – 05/09 – World Cup Qualifiers
Norway vs Moldova – 08/09 – World Cup Qualifiers
Estonia vs Moldova – 14/10 – World Cup Qualifiers
A victory that renews hope for the Azzurri
The 2-0 win over Moldova gives Italy back control of their destiny in the Qualifiers. Spalletti’s farewell was marked by a more organized, efficient, and committed team. With Raspadori inspired and a more solid defense, the Azzurri can dream again of direct qualification to the World Cup.
