Moldova vs Italy Prediction, Line-ups, Injuries, How to Watch and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Moldova will host the former World Champions, Italy, led by Italian legend Gennaro Gattuso, in a crucial World Cup Qualifiers match. Italy will be looking to put pressure on Norway, who are sitting in the top spot, and Moldova will be fighting for their pride in this match, as they are already out of the World Cup spot. In this article, we'll cover things like Moldova vs Italy Prediction, Preview, as well as Moldova vs Italy Predicted Lineups to give a better view of this fixture.

Moldova vs Italy Preview

Moldova's recent home form includes some heavy defeats and a draw against Estonia. They are placed in ‘Group I’ alongside Norway, Italy, Israel and Estonia. So far in six matches, they have failed to win, as with only one point, they are sitting at the bottom of the table. They are out for the World Cup contention a long time back, but will still face Italy in the hope of getting at least something positive from this match. There is a huge difference in the quality of both sides, and Moldova will surely make sure to play a low block and make things complicated for the away team. They have never beaten Italy in the past, and have failed to get even a draw against them. Sergiu Percium plays in Serie A and is expected to play against Italy.

On the other hand, Italy have lost once in six matches so far, and with 15 points they are just behind Norway, who are looking unstoppable right now. Italy missed the last World Cup, and a lot has changed since then in the team. Gennaro Gattuso is the man in charge, and surely he will hope to lead this Italian side to glory by securing Qualification to the World Cup. They have scored 18 goals and conceded eight so far. Last time when they faced Moldova, they beat them by 2-0. Matteo Retegui has featured in nine matches, scoring five goals, making him the biggest threat for the home side. Moldova vs Italy Preview conveys a one-sided dominance between the two teams.

Moldova vs Italy Match Info

Match Name: Moldova vs Italy, World Cup Qualifiers

Stadium Name: Zimbru Stadium

Kick-Off Time: 07:45 PM GMT

Moldova Team News

The home team's dream to qualify is already over; however, they will play for their pride and hope to beat Italy for the first time. They are sitting at the bottom of the table in Group I and have obtained only one point from five Qualifier matches so far. The Moldova team have no major injury concerns going into this fixture.

Moldova Expected Line-up (5-3-2):

Goalkeeper: Kozhukhar

Defenders: Forov, Craciun, Baboglo, Gherasimencov, Reabciuk

Midfielders: Caimacov, Rata, Bogaciuc

Forwards: Percium, Postolachi

Italy Team News

Alessandro Buongiorno and Samuele Ricci have both been recalled to the squad after months away from the national setup. Nicolo Barella will miss the match due to suspension, while Gianluca Scamacca is also back after recovering from injury. Gattuso does not have any injury issues in his squad as of now, and all the players are fit to play.

Italy Expected Line-up (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Donnarumma

Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco

Midfielders: Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali

Forwards: Raspadori, Retegui, Scamacca

Moldova vs Italy Injuries

The home side, Moldova, doesn't have any injury concerns going into this fixture, and all the players are fit to play on Friday. On the other hand, Italy will only miss Barella, who will not be available for selection due to suspension. Andrea Cambiaso, Davide Frattesi and Sandro Tonali all face the risk of suspension if booked in this match. Both teams will field their strongest line-up on Friday.

Sportsdunia's Moldova vs Italy Prediction

Moldova have been really poor in the Qualifiers so far, and despite playing at home, they aren't the favourites to win this fixture. They have failed to beat Italy in the past, and this time it also looks like they will not be able to get points against them. Most probably, the away team will win this fixture and will get the three points. Now, let's take a look at Sportsdunia's Moldova vs Italy Prediction:

Predicted Score: Moldova 1-3 Italy