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World Cup Qualification 2026: Moldova-Italy, the probable formations

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Italy visits Moldova on the penultimate day of Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Kickoff at 8:45 p.m. at ‘Stadionul Zimbru’ in Chisinau. The Azzurri, who have secured second place, are looking for their sixth consecutive victory to keep alive the faint hope of direct qualification to the rainbow review. On the other side, the hosts, last in the standings, will try to avoid their sixth defeat in seven.

Popescu opts for an offensive trident with Nicolaescu in the center and Caimacov and Postolachi acting on his sides. L’ex-Cagliari Ionita will form the midfield dam with Bodistenau, while the defense will be headed by Mudrac.

Gattuso launches the attacking pair Raspadori-Scamacca. Orsolini and Zaccagni will man the midfield lanes, which will be without the disqualified Barella, while in defense there will be room for Mancini and Buongiorno. Between the posts chance for Vicario.

Probable lineups

Moldova (3-4-3): Avram; Baboglo, Mudrac, Dumbravanu; Platica, Ionita, Bodisteanu, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Nicolaescu, Postolachi. Ct. Popescu

Italy (4-4-2): Vicario; Bellanova, Mancini, Buongiorno, Cambiaso; Orsolini, Cristante, Tonali, Zaccagni; Scamacca, Raspadori. Ct. Gattuso

World Cup Qualification 2026: Moldova-Italy, the probable formations

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Moldavia and Italy will take on each other at 8:45 p.m. in Chisinau in the match valid for the seventh day of Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Azzurri, already sure of being at least second, will take the field when they already know the result of Norway, engaged at 6 p.m. at home with Estonia: it is unlikely to come with any twists and turns, but Gattuso’s team is fresh off five wins in a row and still wants to continue the streak to boost confidence ahead of the likely playoffs next March. Moldova is last in the group with just one point, won in the last game with Estonia.

Homeowners with Postolachi and Damascan in attack; full-backs will be Forov and Reabciuk. In midfield Caimavoc along with Rata and Bogaciuc.

As communicated by Gattuso, Scamacca and Raspadori will be the two starting forwards for Italy, which deploys Cristante and Tonali in midfield. The two tall outfielders are Orsolini and Zaccagni, while the full-backs are Bellanova and Cambiaso.

Moldavia-Italy, the probable lineups
MOLDOVA (5-3-2): Kozhukhar; Forov, Craciun, Stefan, Gherasimencov, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Rata, Bogaciuc; Postolachi, Damascan. Coach: Popescu.
ITALY (4-4-2): Vicario; Bellanova, Mancini, Buongiorno, Cambiaso; Orsolini, Cristante, Tonali, Zaccagni; Scamacca, Raspadori. Coach: Gattuso.

World Cup Qualification 2026: Moldova-Italy, the probable formations

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Italy is ready to go down for the penultimate engagement valid for qualification for the next World Cup. Today, at 8:45 p.m., the national team will be on stage at home to Moldova. The goal of the Azzurri is to win and convince, so as to prepare for the last act against Norway with high morale. As known, reaching the first place in the group is pure utopia but CT Gattuso expects them to close the group stage at their best.

Various novelties, some officially announced by Gattuso himself, in the starting eleven that will take on the Moldovan national team. In goal, space will be given to Vicario. The defensive four will be Bellanova, Mancini, Buongiorno and Cambiaso. In midfield there will be Cristante in place of the disqualified Barella. Up front, the duo formed by Scamacca and Raspadori.

The record is clearly in favor of Italy, which has won all six previous matches with 17 goals scored and only two conceded. In the first leg match, when Spalletti was still on the Azzurri bench, the national team won 2-0 in Reggio Emilia.

The Italian team has won all six previous matches with only two goals scored.

Probable lineups

Italy (4-4-2): Vicario; Bellanova, Mancini, Buongiorno, Cambiaso; Orsolini, Cristante, Tonali, Zaccagni; Scamacca, Raspadori. All: Gattuso

Moldova (5-3-2): Cojuhar; Forov, Craciun, Dumbravanu, Platica, Reabciuk; Caimacov, Rata, Bogaciuc; Postolachi, Nicolaescu. All: Popescu

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