Luciano Spalletti is expected to rely on Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui up front in his final game as Italy national team coach against Moldova.It kicks off at 20:45 CET (19:45 BST) at the Mapei

Group I qualifying for the 2026 World Cup continues Monday, with Italy taking on Moldova in a must-win match for both sides.

What could derail the tournament or make it a hit? Which players will shine? And who could win? Our writers have their

Italy's World Cup qualification campaign has barely begun and already the country is worried about the shocking possibility of failing to reach the final tournament for a third consecutive time after a humiliating defeat by Norway.

The Azzurri don't have many alternatives: they will have to win and hope. Hope for a misstep by Haaland and company, and hope that our National team will quickly forget the setback and wake up. It's pointless to beat around the bush, because to qualify, you have to finish first in the group, and the 9-point gap from the top cannot leave you calm.

Spalletti insisted he wanted to “move forward” as national coach and that he had faith in his “project” after the defeat in Oslo.

Italy will face off against Moldova in a Matchday 4 clash of the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers. Fans in the USA can watch the action live through several TV networks and streaming platforms.

ROME — The fear that four-time champion Italy will fail to qualify for a third straight World Cup has cost coach Luciano Spalletti his job. Spalletti announced Sunday that he is being fired and will leave after Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova.