Italy's national football team clinched a 2-0 victory against Moldova in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Monday, marking Luciano Spalletti's final match as head coach. Goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso secured three points for the Azzurri, though the win did little to mask the team's ongoing struggles in international competitions.
The victory leaves Italy third in Group I, trailing leaders Norway by nine points. With only the group winner guaranteed direct qualification for the 2026 finals in North America, Italy faces an uphill battle to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup. Their recent history offers little comfort: the team failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments after play-off defeats.
Spalletti, who took responsibility for Italy's lackluster Euro 2024 campaign and Friday's 3-0 loss to Norway, told Rai broadcaster: "The coach has to make the difference, and unfortunately I wasn't able to do that." His departure comes amid reports that 73-year-old Claudio Ranieri – architect of Roma's remarkable Serie A resurgence last season – is being courted to lead the national team.
Analysts suggest Italy's challenges extend beyond coaching changes. The four-time World Cup winners have struggled to rebuild since their Euro 2020 triumph, with inconsistent performances raising questions about squad depth and tactical identity. As speculation grows about Ranieri's potential return from retirement, fans await signs of renewal for a team that once dominated global football.
