Following a humbling 0-3 defeat to Norway, the Italian national team entered their World Cup qualifier against Moldova under immense pressure to restore their pride and confidence. The Azzurri delivered, securing a decisive 2-0 victory that not only provided crucial points but also showcased several promising signs for coach Luciano Spalletti's squad.
A Determined Start and Early Dominance
From the opening whistle, Italy exhibited a clear determination to control the match. Coach Spalletti's tactical approach emphasized ball possession and a proactive attacking style, contrasting sharply with Moldova's strategy of playing a low block and seeking counter-attacking opportunities. The intent was evident in their pressing and fluid movement, aiming to dictate the tempo and break down the Moldovan defense.
A brief moment of concern arose in the 9th minute when Moldova nearly pulled off a shock. An attack down the left wing culminated in a header by Nicolaescu that found the back of Gianluigi Donnarumma's net. However, the relief was palpable for the Italians when, after a VAR review, the goal was disallowed for offside. Having narrowly avoided an early setback, Italy gradually settled into their rhythm, generating a series of dangerous opportunities.
Breaking the Deadlock and Asserting Control
The Azzurri's relentless pressure soon began to yield results. In the 17th minute, Ranieri rattled the crossbar with a powerful free-kick from the right wing, signaling Italy's growing threat. Further efforts from Retegui and Raspadori, including well-struck long-range shots, forced the Moldovan goalkeeper into a series of impressive saves, highlighting Italy's offensive intensity. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 40th minute, alleviating the psychological pressure that had been building. The ball rebounded in the penalty area, and Giacomo Raspadori reacted swiftly, firing a low shot into the left corner of the net, beating goalkeeper Avram and giving Italy a deserved lead.
Second-Half Adjustments and Continued Momentum
The second half saw tactical adjustments from Coach Spalletti, who aimed to experiment with the formation and provide more playing time for his squad, allowing players to regain their rhythm and confidence. These changes immediately paid dividends. In the 50th minute, Andrea Cambiaso made a smart run to receive a perfectly weighted through ball and calmly slotted it home, doubling Italy's advantage. With a two-goal deficit, Moldova was compelled to push higher up the field in search of an equalizer. However, their attacking efforts lacked the necessary incision and creativity to truly trouble the well-organized Italian defense.
The remainder of the match saw Italy maintain complete control of the proceedings, consistently launching quick and incisive attacks. Orsolini showcased his skillful footwork in the penalty area, but his shot was bravely blocked by the Moldovan goalkeeper. Later, Lucca found himself in a promising position from a precise cross but regrettably headed the ball over the bar, missing an opportunity to extend Italy's lead further.
Moldova's Efforts and the Final Whistle
Despite being largely outplayed, Moldova continued to search for an opening, attempting a few counter-attacks. However, their finishing lacked conviction, as evidenced by Stina's low shot in injury time, which posed no real threat to Donnarumma's goal. Coach Clescenco introduced several attacking players in the second half, but these substitutions ultimately failed to alter the dynamic of the game. Throughout the 90 minutes, Moldova struggled to create any clear-cut chances and were largely dictated by Italy's superior play.
The match concluded with a professional 2-0 victory for the Italian team. This result was vital for the Azzurri, providing a much-needed boost in morale after a period of inconsistent performances and serving as a crucial stepping stone in their World Cup qualification campaign. While the win was well-deserved, Italy still has areas for improvement, particularly in their clinical finishing and maintaining defensive stability throughout the entire match. Moldova, despite the loss, played with commendable effort, but the undeniable difference in class prevented them from springing a surprise against the former world champions.