Italy vs. Moldova: Spalletti's last stand in WC qualifiers
Preparations are complete for Italy vs. Republic of Moldova match, a qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Organizers have finalized all remaining details. On the eve of the match, the "Citta del Tricolore" stadium pitch looked impeccable, and Italian supporters are confidently awaiting their team's clash with Sergiu Cleșcenco's squad.
"It's an important match. When results are lacking, every victory counts. I feel for those of you who came from the Republic of Moldova, but Italy will win 3-0."
"I wouldn't call it a special match; the important thing is to win. I'm optimistic and believe we'll win 2-0."
"I'm not a football fan, but it's very clear that I will support the Italian team."
Only the Moldovan national team, affectionately known as 'tricolorii,' trained at the "Citta del Tricolore" stadium. All eligible players participated in the technical meeting, with the exception of midfielders Vadim Rață and Maxim Cojocaru, both suspended due to accumulated yellow cards.
The 'tricolorii' will play as if at home in Reggio Emilia. Numerous compatriots will be in the stands of the Citta del Tricolore stadium to encourage them. The players will aim not to disappoint after their courageous performance in the second half of the friendly against Poland.
"We understand and know the value of the opposing team. We will strive to use the opportunities we will have, but first we must be disciplined in defense," said Sergiu Cleșcenco, coach of the Republic of Moldova national team.
"The objective is to play a good match. That's what we aimed for at the end of the match. If we are compact on the field, maybe we will get a good result," said footballer Victor Stînă.
The atmosphere is starkly different in the opposing camp. Following their decisive defeat against Norway, the "Squadra Azzurra" players are quietly preparing for the match against the Moldovans at Coverciano. Coach Luciano Spalletti appeared agitated at the press conference and departed without acknowledging journalists, who were dissatisfied with his responses. This will, moreover, be Spalletti's final match as national coach, and he could be replaced by Claudio Ranieri or Stefano Pioli.
Before fully losing his temper, Spalletti struggled to maintain his composure.
"It will be my last match as national coach. I want to win it. I spoke with federation president Gabriele Gravina. He informed me I would be dismissed. I would have wished to remain, but such is the risk of our profession. As we say in our line of work, we always have our bags packed," declared Luciano Spalletti.
"Evidently, the defeat against Norway was not well-received. We are very upset. We must seek revenge, and the best way is to secure three points in the match against the Republic of Moldova. For that, we need to remain focused," declared Lorenzo Lucca.
The Italy vs. Republic of Moldova match will kick off this evening at 9:45 PM. It will be broadcast live and exclusively by the national television station Moldova 1.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
