Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
UEFA Qualifiers, 2026 FIFA World Cup
Matchday 4, Group I
Italy v Moldova
Stadio Città del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia
Monday 9 June, 2025
20:45
Italy will look to boost their hopes of returning to the FIFA World Cup when they face minnows Moldova in a Group I qualifying match at the Stadio Citta del Tricolore, Reggio Emilia, on the evening of Monday 9 June 2025.
Italy, who have failed to feature at the last two World Cup tournaments in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, will be determined to ensure that they are not absent for a third successive time when the global tournament returns to North America in a year’s time.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti has named a squad which includes uncapped Diego Coppola, as well as Davide Zappacosta, who returns to the squad after three and a half years – his last call-up was in November 2021. Also back are Riccardo Orsolini (last called up in June 2024) and Francesco Acerbi (who hasn’t featured since March 2024).
“I saw players confident in their qualities, and we’re eager to play these two matches, which can give us so much for the future,” said Spalletti.
Moldova, who have never qualified for the World Cup, have already played twice in Group I, suffering a 5-0 defeat away to Norway, and a 3-2 home loss at the hands of Estonia – both matches were played in March 2025.
Italy will come into the match having opened their Group I campaign with a match away to Norway at the Ullevaal Stadion on the evening of Friday 6 June, while Moldova will have been in friendly action against Poland at the Silesian Stadium on the same evening.
In head-to-head stats, Italy and Moldova have met in five previous matches, dating back as far as 1996. The Azzurri have won all five of the teams’ meetings, the most recent of which was an international friendly in October 2020: Italy won 6-0 in Florence, with Stephan El Shaarawy netting two of the goals.
UEFA Qualifiers, 2026 FIFA World Cup
Monday 9 June
16:00: Kazakhstan v North Macedonia
20:45: Italy v Moldova
20:45: Estonia v Norway
20:45: Croatia v Czechia
20:45: Belgium v Wales
20:45: Faroe Islands v Gibraltar
Tuesday 10 June
20:45: Finland v Poland
20:45: San Marino v Austria
20:45: Netherlands v Malta
20:45: Serbia v Andorra
20:45: Romania v Cyprus
20:45: Latvia v Albania
Bet on the UEFA World Cup Qualifiers with Betway
Kick off your
sports betting journey & place a winning bet with our exciting Sports Welcome Offer where you’ll get up to R1,000 as a Free Bet when you make your first deposit.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram and Youtube. Download the Betway app to bet on the go!