The four-time World Cup champions, Italy, managed to breathe a collective sigh of relief as they secured a much-needed 2-0 victory over Moldova in their latest FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. This crucial win at the Mapei Stadium-Città del Tricolore injects a vital lifeline into their beleaguered qualification campaign, which has been overshadowed by recent setbacks and a coaching change.
The three points against Moldova were a must-win for an Azzurri side in a truly perilous situation. Following a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Norway just days prior, the pressure on the Italian Football Federation reached a boiling point, leading to the sacking of head coach Luciano Spalletti ahead of this very match. The specter of failing to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup looms large, a scenario that would be unprecedented and utterly unthinkable for a nation with Italy’s rich footballing pedigree.
The Norway Nightmare and Spalletti’s Departure
The defeat to Norway on June 6, 2025, in Oslo, was a stark and brutal awakening for Italy. Goals from Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and Erling Haaland condemned Italy to a comprehensive 3-0 loss in their opening Group I qualifier. This result was not just a defeat; it was a demoralizing performance that exposed significant vulnerabilities and instantly put Italy’s World Cup aspirations in jeopardy.
The immediate fallout saw Luciano Spalletti, who had only taken the reins in September 2023 after guiding Napoli to a historic Serie A title, informed that his tenure would end after the Moldova game. Spalletti himself confirmed the decision, stating he wasn’t leaving his successor with a “sense of enthusiasm” despite the win against Moldova. His departure underscores the immense pressure and high stakes associated with the Italian national team, especially after missing the last two World Cups.
A History of Missed World Cups: The Looming Threat
Italy’s recent history in World Cup qualification has been nothing short of a nightmare for their passionate fanbase. After winning the tournament in 2006, they have since endured shocking failures:
- 2018 World Cup: Eliminated in a play-off by Sweden.
- 2022 World Cup: Stunned by North Macedonia in another play-off.
The prospect of missing a third consecutive World Cup would be a catastrophic blow to Italian football, eroding confidence and potentially impacting the sport’s development in the nation for years to come. The current situation in Group I, where Italy sits well behind leaders Norway, highlights the uphill battle ahead.
Group I Standings (as of June 10, 2025):
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Italy is currently nine points behind Norway, though they have played two fewer matches. Only the group winner guarantees automatic qualification, with the second-placed team entering a precarious play-off system – the very stage where Italy stumbled twice before.
Match Highlights: Italy 2-0 Moldova
In what was Luciano Spalletti’s final game in charge, Italy secured a professional, if not always convincing, victory over a resilient Moldova side.
- 9′ – Moldova Goal Disallowed: A scare for Italy early on as Moldova thought they had taken a shock lead. Ion Nicolaescu headed home from an Oleg Reabciuk cross, but VAR intervened, ruling the goal out for offside.
- 17′ – Ranieri Hits the Bar: Italy’s first real chance fell to debutant Luca Ranieri, whose header from a Giacomo Raspadori free-kick rattled the crossbar.
- 40′ – Giacomo Raspadori (Italy 1-0): The deadlock was finally broken by Giacomo Raspadori. After a period of sustained pressure, a cross from the left was knocked down by Ranieri, and Raspadori showed quick reactions to fire a half-volley from 14 yards into the near bottom corner. It was a significant moment for the local hero, scoring in his hometown stadium.
- 50′ – Andrea Cambiaso (Italy 2-0): Just after the break, Italy doubled their advantage through Andrea Cambiaso. The Juventus wide man capitalized on a rebound, slotting home a clinical finish to provide some breathing room for the Azzurri.
While the 2-0 scoreline suggests control, Italy struggled at times to break down a well-organized Moldovan defense and create clear-cut chances. Their overall performance, particularly in the first half, lacked the fluidity and attacking intent that fans crave. Andrea Cambiaso, speaking after the match, admitted, “We are the first to know it wasn’t a great game, we wanted to give the coach a better send-off.”
The Road Ahead: New Leadership, Old Ambitions
With Spalletti gone, the Italian Football Federation now faces the crucial task of appointing a new head coach who can reignite the team’s spark and navigate the treacherous path to the 2026 World Cup. The individual talent within the squad is undeniable, but consistency and a coherent tactical identity have been elusive.
Italy’s qualification dream is still alive, but it hangs by a thread. They will need to deliver a flawless performance in their remaining qualifiers, hoping that Norway and Israel drop points. The next few months will be pivotal in determining whether Italy returns to the global stage or suffers a truly unprecedented and heartbreaking third consecutive World Cup absence.
Stay tuned to BangbetNews for all the latest updates on Italy’s World Cup qualification journey, new manager announcements, and in-depth analysis of their crucial upcoming matches.
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