Italy and Moldova face off in a crucial Group 4 qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, June 9, 2025. The match kicks off at 20:45 CEST for viewers in Italy, Germany, France, and Spain, and at 19:45 BST in the UK. Hosting the fixture at the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia, Italy will be keen to start their campaign on a high.
This encounter offers a vital opportunity for Italy to reassert their authority after recent inconsistency, while Moldova will be aiming to defy expectations and claim their first points of the group stage. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, both sides are under pressure to deliver a strong performance.
How are both teams coming into this?
Italy enters this qualifier under the stewardship of Luciano Spalletti, eager to shake off a string of underwhelming results. The Azzurri have shown flashes of brilliance but have struggled for consistency, making this home fixture a must-win if they are to avoid early-season nerves.
Moldova, meanwhile, travels to Italy as clear underdogs but with plenty of enthusiasm. The Eastern Europeans have yet to open their account in Group 4 and will take confidence from the fact that Italy’s recent form has been far from rock solid. A positive result here could inject fresh belief into their campaign.
Our forecast
We expect Italy to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities, especially at home where they boast a strong attacking record. Spalletti’s side should be able to break down Moldova’s defence, but the away side’s work ethic means they are unlikely to capitulate completely.
While an Italian victory is the most probable outcome, a more cautious approach from the hosts could see goals at both ends. We’re tipping a comfortable win for the Azzurri, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see Moldova snatch a consolation goal.
Best odds
Bet365: Italy win 1.06, Draw 13.00, Moldova win 29.00
William Hill: Italy win 1.07, Draw 12.50, Moldova win 28.00
Betfair: Italy win 1.05, Draw 14.00, Moldova win 30.00
