Moldova Vs Italy: Gattuso Rotasi Squad, Azzurri Still Superior

Jakarta The Italian national team will continue their struggle in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers by facing the host Moldova on Thursday night 13 November. Although the opportunity to qualify directly is almost impossible, Gli Azzurri is still eyeing victory in order to maintain a narrow hope and maintain momentum towards the playoffs.

A consecutive victory over Israel and previous opponents confirmed Italy finished in the top two of Group I. However, with a three-point difference and the goal difference far behind Norway, the chances of winning the top of the standings are almost closed. If Norway wins over Estonia, Italy automatically advances to the playoffs.

Even so, coach Gennaro Gattuso insists his team will continue to fight optimally in the last two matches. Since replacing Luciano Spalletti in the summer, Gattuso has had a positive effect: four consecutive wins and 16 goals scored, including two goals from Mateo Retegui when they beat Israel 3-0.

Italy is now determined to complete the group phase with a positive note before facing a very decisive playoff life-dead match.

Moldova has not even won in Group I and is at the bottom of the standings with just one point. However, the 1-1 draw against Estonia last month slightly improved their morale after seven consecutive defeats, including an embarrassing 1-11 defeat to Norway worst result in their history.

The defeat made the old coach Serghei Clescenco resign, replaced by Lilian Popescu who immediately gave a positive touch through his debut draw. Although the FIFA Moldova ranking fell in 156th position, they tried to appear more organized and closed the qualification with their heads held high.

In the last six meetings, Moldova has always lost to Italy 17-3 on aggregate. The last meeting in June also ended with a 2-0 win for the Azzurri.

Gattuso plans to make a big rotation. Midfielder Nicolo Barella is absent due to suspension, his position is likely to be replaced by Bryan Cristante who is performing well with AS Roma. Moise Kean was dropped due to injury, while Giacomo Raspadori was doubtful after suffering a minor injury in training.

Federico Chiesa also refused the call because he was not fully fit, but good news came with the return of Gianluca Scamacca. Mateo Retegui, Italy's top qualifying score, will remain a mainstay on the front lines.

In the Moldovan camp, coach Popescu could not field Nichita Motpan due to injury. However, Artur Ionita and main striker Ion Nicolaescu have returned to strengthen the team.

Gattuso will most likely not lower his full strength, given the main focus now on the playoffs. However, the difference in quality remains too far between the two teams. Italy is predicted to win efficiently without the need to appear too dominant.

The Azzurri may not play at high speed, but remain solid enough to take home the three points and maintain morale ahead of their fight in the playoffs to the 2026 World Cup.

Estimated line-up:

Moldova (4-4-1-1): Avram; Forov, Cracion, Baboglo, Platica; Reabciuk, Caimacov, Rata, Bogacicic; Postolachi; Nicolaescu.

Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Cristante, Locatelli, Tonali; Orsolini, Retegui, Zaccagni.