How to Watch Italy vs Moldova: Stream 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Live, TV Channel

It is imperative that Italy not only wins Monday’s game, but that the team wins big. With zero points and a goal differential of -3, the team’s chances of moving up in the standings are dwindling as the team trails group-leading Norway by six points and 13 goals.

Moldova, ranked 154th by FIFA, is at the bottom of the standings after suffering big losses to both Norway and Estonia, conceding eight goals in the two matches. The team’s defense has been disorganized, leaving gaps to play through which will need to be cleaned up for a chance to hold off Italy.

Spalletti is expected to tweak his 3‑5‑2 formation to produce more offense. Donnarumma returns in goal, while midfielders like Frattesi, Tonali and Ricci are also poised to start. Bastoni may not play as he could use a rest after an injury during the Norway match. The team will look to Serie A’s top scorer, Mateo Retegui, to find the back of the net.

Moldova is likely to pack in with the hopes of preventing the quick transition that Italy has relied on. The team will put faith in veteran Ion Nicolaescu, its all‑time top scorer, to exploit any rare counterattack up top.

While it is likely that Italy will dominate, there is something to be said for the scrappy play that a desperate team like Moldova can produce.

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