Out-of-sorts Italy got off the mark in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a scrappy 2-0 home victory over minnows Moldova. Departing manager Luciano Spalletti bowed out in style, even though Italy’s performance in his farewell game flattered the deceive.
Italy decided to go separate ways with Luciano Spalletti after an embarrassing 3-0 loss in Norway last Friday. Though it was an emotional occasion, the Italians were not at their best in the first half. On the contrary, fans in Emilia-Romagna witnessed an odd game.
Moldova’s all-time top scorer Ion Nicolaescu thought he had put his nation in front in the 10th minute, only for VAR to find him a fraction offside. Despite enjoying a substantial possession percentage, Italy struggled to create many scoring opportunities in the first half.
However, they did find the lead toward the halftime interval. Back in the Mapei Stadium, ex-Sassuolo forward Giacomo Raspadori scored in the 40th minute to fire Italy 1-0 up. Moldova could’ve entered the break on level terms, but they squandered two massive chances on the stroke of halftime.
Little did they know Italy would punish their profligacy at the start of the second half. Andrea Cambiaso pounced on Davide Frattesi’s cutback, and though his shot lacked precision and venom, it somehow found a way past Moldova goalkeeper Cristian Avram.
It proved the final nail in Moldova’s coffin as the visitors failed to recover from that second blow. Italy continued to dominate proceedings, albeit without finding sitters. Without further ado, let’s skip to our player ratings.
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 8/10
Tested more often than expected, the Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain pulled off several decent saves to deny Moldova access to the scoresheet.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 5/10
With most of Moldova’s threat coming down his flank, it’s hard to say the Napoli captain offered an improved performance to his disastrous showing in Oslo last week.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6/10
Relocated to the center of the defense, the Inter stalwart held up his end of the bargain for the most part, though Nicolaescu slipped his mark in that 10th minute.
Luca Ranieri – 8/10
The Fiorentina skipper was arguably Italy’s most reliable defender tonight. In addition to a flawless defensive display, he came close to scoring in the first half, but the crossbar kept him at bay.
Federico Dimarco – 7/10
Spalletti may have expected more from his offensive-minded wingback, yet he had a quiet evening going forward. However, his goal-line clearance on the stroke of halftime atoned for his lack of attacking contribution.
Davide Frattesi – 8/10
The exit-bound Inter midfielder seemingly enjoys his role under Spalletti. Despite failing to score, he racked up another assist and was an omnipresent threat in the final third.
Samuele Ricci – 7/10
There’s not much more Italy could’ve wanted from their midfield anchor. Solid in the defensive aspect, the Torino star fared equally well in possession, rarely giving the ball away.
Sandro Tonali – 6/10
Often tried to be the architect of Italy’s attack and pull the strings in midfield but had very little to show for it despite all the effort.
Andrea Cambiaso – 8/10
After a near-anonymous first-half performance, the Juventus fullback sprang into life after the break as the goal helped boost his confidence.
Giacomo Raspadori – 8/10
The home crowd had to wait until late in the first half to see the diminutive forward make his mark, handing Italy a much-needed breakthrough.
Mateo Retegui – 6/10
Feels like he took a shot every time the ball came at his feet. Yet, he either lacked precision or power as he failed to score on another frustrating night for the national team.
Nicolo Barella – 6/10
Riccardo Orsolini – 7/10
Lorenzo Lucca – 5/10
Daniel Maldini – 5/10
Diego Coppola – N/A
