Follow usItaly may not have dazzled in their second 2026 World Cup qualifying match, but they secured a 2-0 win over Moldova to earn a much-needed three points. The match marked Luciano Spalletti’s final appearance as Italy’s head coach, with his side now sitting third in the group after collecting three points from their first two games after the disastrous 0-3 loss from Norway in Oslo.
The game began with a surprise, as Moldova came out the more aggressive side. They thought they had taken a shock lead in the ninth minute when Ion Nicolaescu found the net following a cross from Oleg Reabchok, but the goal was disallowed for offside, which was an early warning for the Italians.
Italy, despite a sluggish start, finally broke through just before halftime. In the 40th minute, Giacomo Raspadori pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted a low shot into the bottom right corner to put the Azzurri ahead.
A sweet hit 🍬#ITAMDA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/xpJYrbkURg
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 9, 2025
The home side doubled their lead early in the second half when Andrea Cambiaso joined the attack and calmly finished to make it 2-0 — a goal that effectively sealed the result. The tempo slowed in the final stages, and Moldova showed little threat of a comeback.
Italy clinches Belgium win to reach Nations League 1/4-finals 
Lionel Messi says playing in 2026 World Cup is still possible 
Legendary Italian striker Schillaci dies aged 59 
