Italy is gearing up to secure its first victory in FIFA World Cup qualification as they prepare to face Moldova at home. The match is particularly significant for Italy, as the team has been criticized in recent years for its failure to qualify for the World Cup, with the last appearance dating back to 2014—marking the longest gap in the nation’s history.
The Italian team experienced a disappointing start to their qualification campaign, suffering a 3-0 defeat against Norway. This loss has cast doubt on the team’s prospects, making the upcoming match against Moldova crucial for regaining confidence.
Moldova, on the other hand, has struggled in its qualification efforts, having never qualified for the World Cup since gaining independence. They, too, have faced difficulties this year, losing their first two matches, including a 5-0 defeat to Norway and a closely contested 3-2 loss to Estonia.
As Italy seeks to turn its fortunes around, this match offers an opportunity to earn goodwill and demonstrate their competitive spirit against a nation that has historically struggled for success on the international stage.
The match is scheduled for Monday, June 9, at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and will be broadcast on FOX Sports 2. With both teams looking to break their losing streaks, fans can expect an exciting contest.
Overall, the stakes are high for Italy as they aim to reignite their World Cup aspirations while Moldova seeks an upset to boost their morale.