.jpg)
4 hours ago
3
Italy find themselves in an all-too-familiar crisis as they prepare to host Moldova in a World Cup qualifier on Monday.
After a dismal 0-3 defeat to Norway in their Group I opener, the Azzurri are already staring down the barrel of another nerve-wracking playoff route in their bid to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Despite dominating possession in Oslo, Luciano Spalletti’s side showed little cutting edge or resilience, and with growing pressure from fans and media alike, this clash against Moldova feels less like a formality and more like a potential banana peel.
That said, Moldova’s recent form offers Italy a golden opportunity to reset. Serghei Clescenco’s men were thrashed 0-5 by Norway and edged 2-3 by Estonia in their opening qualifiers, and their poor run continued with a 2-0 friendly loss to Poland. History doesn't favor them either. Moldova have lost all four World Cup qualifiers against Italy, including a 6-0 hammering in their last meeting.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Italy vs. Moldova live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this World Cup qualifier in the US:
TV channel: FOX Sports 2
Live stream: Fubo
The broadcast for this game is available in the US on FOX Sports Network. Streaming options are available on Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Italy vs. Moldova kick off?
This Italy vs. Moldova international friendly clash takes place at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, Italy and kicks off on Monday, June 9 at 8:45 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across US:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Mon, June 9 | 2:45 p.m. |
| Central Time | Mon, June 9 | 1:45 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Mon, June 9 | 12:45 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Mon, June 9 | 11:45 a.m. |
Italy vs. Moldova predicted lineups, team news
Italy boss Luciano Spalletti is expected to ring the changes after the Azzurri’s bruising 0-3 loss to Norway. With several senior players pulling out, including Moise Kean, Manuel Locatelli, and key defenders Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Matteo Gabbia, Spalletti may hand starting roles to fresh faces like Andrea Cambiaso, Samuele Ricci, and Davide Frattesi.
Diego Coppola, who endured a rough debut in Oslo, could make way as the coach looks to reestablish defensive stability in front of captain Gianluigi Donnarumma. Veteran Francesco Acerbi, meanwhile, declined a call-up entirely, citing personal reasons.
Italy predicted XI (3-5-2, right to left): Donnarumma (GK) — Di Lorenzo, Ranieri, Bastoni — Cambiaso, Frattesi, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie — Raspadori, Retegui.
Injured: Locatelli, Gabbia
Suspended: None
Moldova will have to manage without winger Maxim Cojocaru, who’s suspended following a red card against Estonia. Manager Serghei Clescenco may turn to youth, with 18-year-old Torino prospect Sergiu Perciun pushing for a first senior start after debuting off the bench in Friday’s friendly loss to Poland.
The experienced Artur Ionita, well-versed in Italian football, will likely anchor the midfield. Up front, all-time top scorer Ion Nicolaescu is once again expected to lead the line, with Mihail Caimacov offering support as Moldova look to frustrate a wounded but desperate Italian side in Reggio Emilia.
Moldova predicted XI (5-4-1 right to left): Avram (GK) — Platica, Posmac, Baboglo, Mudrac, Reabciuk — Caicamov, Motpan, Rata, Ionita — Nicolaescu.
Injured: None
Suspended: Cojocaru
European World Cup Qualifying fixture schedule this week
All times in ET
Monday, June 9
- Kazakhstan vs North Macedonia (10:00 a.m.)
- Estonia vs Norway (2:45 p.m.)
- Italy vs Moldova (2:45 p.m.)
- Belgium vs Wales (2:45 p.m.)
- Croatia vs Czech Republic (2:45 p.m.)
- Faroe Islands vs Gibraltar (2:45 p.m.)
Tuesday, June 10
- Finland vs Poland (2:45 p.m.)
- Netherlands vs Malta (2:45 p.m.)
- Romania vs Cyprus (2:45 p.m.)
- San Marino vs Austria (2:45 p.m.)
- Latvia vs Albania (2:45 p.m.)
- Serbia vs Andorra (2:45 p.m.)
Related Links
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >
English (US)