Italy Bounces Back with Victory Over Moldova in Spalletti’s Swan Song

REGGIO EMILIA, Italy — Italy’s beleaguered World Cup qualifying campaign finally found momentum Tuesday, as the Azzurri defeated Moldova 2-0 in what became Luciano Spalletti’s farewell match as manager.

The victory, sealed by goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso, offered temporary relief after last week’s 3-0 drubbing in Norway—a result that accelerated Spalletti’s dismissal. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) informed the coach of his termination hours before kickoff, ending his nine-month tenure.

A Bittersweet Sendoff

Despite dominating possession (68%), Italy struggled to translate control into goals against 81st-ranked Moldova. Raspadori broke through in the 24th minute, firing home after a defensive error, while Cambiaso added insurance in the 63rd with a low finish.

“We wanted to give the coach a proper goodbye,” Cambiaso admitted post-match. “We’re professionals, but these situations hurt. Spalletti’s passion was contagious.”

Qualifying Mountain to Climb

The Azzurri remain nine points behind Group I leaders Norway—who edged Estonia 1-0 via Erling Haaland’s 62nd-minute strike—but have two games in hand. With only group winners advancing automatically to the 48-team 2026 World Cup, Italy’s margin for error is razor-thin.

Historically, the playoffs have been Italy’s undoing:

• 2018: Eliminated by Sweden

• 2022: Stunned by North Macedonia

Elsewhere in UEFA Qualifying

• Belgium 3-2 Wales: Kevin De Bruyne’s 89th-minute volley rescued the Red Devils after squandering a 3-0 lead. Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans, and Jérémy Doku scored early, but Wales’ comeback fell short.

• North Macedonia 1-0 Kazakhstan: The surprise Group J leaders (8 pts) tightened their grip.

• Croatia 5-1 Czech Republic: A statement win narrowed the gap to Group L’s top spot to three points.