Luciano Spalletti’s Final Match as Italy Coach Against Moldova

Reggio Emilia, Italy — Luciano Spalletti will lead Italy for the last time as head coach on Monday night during a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Moldova. This follows a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Norway, leaving Italy in a dire situation in their qualifying group.

After two years in charge, Spalletti has been dismissed due to the Azzurri’s lackluster performance, which included four winless games. The team is desperate for a win on home soil to regain some confidence and control in Group I after their recent struggles.

Italy will face a Moldovan side that is also reeling, having lost 3-2 to Estonia in their last match, marking a streak of defeats in the qualifiers. Moldova currently has a goal difference of -6, underscoring their defensive issues.

For the match, Spalletti is likely to adjust his lineup after the debacle in Oslo. Young defender Diego Coppola, after a poor showing, may be replaced. Key players like Moise Kean, Manuel Locatelli, and Riccardo Calafiori are out due to injuries, and veteran Francesco Acerbi has declined a call-up.

In midfield, Samuele Ricci and Davide Frattesi are expected to start, alongside captain Gianluigi Donnarumma. He will look to secure a clean sheet after facing formidable opponents like Alexander Sørloth and Erling Haaland last week.

Italy’s projected lineup features a 3-5-2 formation, with Raspadori and Retegui leading the attack against a Moldova defense that has struggled. The Italians are overwhelmingly favored to win, with fans hoping for a strong finish to Spalletti’s tenure.

The match kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Mapei Stadium. With high stakes for both teams, a win is essential for Italy to boost morale as they look forward to the rest of their qualifying campaign.