Italy should have no issues brushing Moldova aside, though. They demolished the European minnows the last time they crossed paths, winning 6–0 in an international friendly in 2020. FIFA’s 154th-ranked country have lost both their qualifiers to date, conceding eight across defeats to Norway and Estonia.

Luciano Spalletti has been sacked from his role as Italy's coach, with the manager announcing the decision himself on Sunday, following their heavy loss to Norway, but he will take charge of Monday's game against Moldova.