The minnows of Moldova are set to host European giants Italy in a crucial Group I encounter during the penultimate matchday of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA campaign. This match, scheduled for November 13, 2025, sees two teams with vastly different positions in the group standings clash in Chișinău. Moldova, sitting at the bottom of the group with only one point, has already been mathematically eliminated, but they will be aiming for a courageous, pride-restoring performance.
Italy, meanwhile, enters the fixture firmly placed in the second-place play-off position. While they have mathematically secured at least a play-off spot, they remain in a desperate race with Norway for the automatic qualification spot and need three points here to set up a winner-take-all clash in the final matchday. This game is a classic mismatch where Italy must win decisively to close the massive goal difference gap with the group leaders.
Match Details
This midweek match is a crucial fixture in the final rounds of the UEFA World Cup qualification tournament for Group I.
DetailInformationCompetitionFIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFAPhaseGroup I – Matchday 9 (Penultimate Match)DateThursday, November 13, 2025Kick-off8:45 PM CET (9:45 PM Local Time)VenueStadionul Zimbru, Chișinău, Moldova
Team Form and Analysis for Moldova
World Cup Qualifying Performance and Heavy Defeats
Moldova currently sits in 5th (last) position in Group I with only 1 point from six matches. Their qualification record stands at zero wins, one draw, and five losses.
The Moldovan team has endured an extremely difficult campaign, highlighted by heavy defeats such as a crushing 11-1 loss away to Norway and a 0-4 home defeat to Israel. Their sole point came from a 1-1 draw away to Estonia in October 2025, a result that offered a rare moment of resilience. Moldova’s primary struggle is their defence, which has conceded a staggering 26 goals in just six matches, while their attack has only managed 4 goals in return. Managed by Lilian Popescu, the team will undoubtedly focus on a highly defensive and compact formation, likely a 5-4-1, aimed at absorbing the intense pressure from Italy and minimizing the damage. The home crowd at Stadionul Zimbru will demand a spirited display, but avoiding a large defeat will be the priority for Tricolorii.
Key Player: Ion Nicolaescu
Forward Ion Nicolaescu is the main goal threat for the Moldovan side. He is the country’s all-time top scorer and has contributed to their limited offensive output in this campaign. His experience and predatory instincts mean Italy’s defence cannot afford to switch off, particularly on counter-attacks or from rare set-piece opportunities. Nicolaescu will be isolated for long periods but his ability to hold up the ball and link play will be crucial for any attempt to relieve pressure on the beleaguered Moldovan backline.
Team Form and Analysis for Italy
World Cup Qualifying Campaign and Race for Top Spot
Italy are currently in 2nd position in Group I with 15 points from six matches. Their record stands at five wins, zero draws, and one loss.
Under manager Gennaro Gattuso, Gli Azzurri (The Blues) have performed well, securing a place in the play-offs, but they are still pushing for the automatic qualification spot held by Norway (18 points). Italy’s goal difference of +10 lags significantly behind Norway’s +26, meaning they must secure huge wins in their final two matches to stand a chance of finishing first. Their form includes an important 2-0 home victory against Moldova earlier in the campaign and a thrilling 4-5 away victory against Israel. The team has shown moments of brilliance, particularly in attack, but they suffered a critical 3-0 loss away to Norway in June. Italy is expected to utilize a high-pressing, attacking formation (likely 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1) to relentlessly attack the deep Moldovan defence, targeting a high-scoring margin to boost their goal difference ahead of the final showdown with Norway.
Key Player: Giacomo Raspadori
Forward Giacomo Raspadori is a crucial part of the rejuvenated Italian attack. His versatility, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing have made him one of Italy’s leading goal contributors in the campaign, scoring multiple times, including a goal in the reverse fixture against Moldova. Raspadori’s ability to operate centrally or out wide provides Gattuso with tactical flexibility. Against a deep, packed defence, his quick feet and sharpness in the box will be essential for creating and finishing the numerous chances Italy is expected to generate.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The head-to-head record overwhelmingly favours Italy, reflecting a long history of competitive dominance in this fixture.
MetricMoldova WinsDrawsItaly WinsTotal Competitive Meetings005Recent WCQ Result (June 2025)Italy 2-0 Moldova (H)Italy’s All-Time Record vs Moldova0 losses0 draws6 consecutive wins
Italy holds a perfect competitive record against Moldova, securing five wins from five World Cup Qualifying matches between the nations dating back to 1996. Including a recent 6-0 international friendly win, Italy has won all six historical encounters. The most recent competitive result was a 2-0 home victory for Italy in June 2025. Moldova’s best result came in October 2005, when they managed to score in a narrow 2-1 defeat in Lecce. This history indicates a consistent trend of Italian victories, often accompanied by clean sheets.
Players to Watch
Moldova
Artur Ioniță (Midfielder): The experienced midfielder is a key figure in the centre of the park. His tenacity, defensive work rate, and ability to recycle possession will be crucial in attempting to disrupt Italy’s rhythm and minimize the impact of their creative midfield.
Victor Stînă (Winger): A young, energetic wide player, Stînă provides a spark for Moldova’s counter-attacks. His pace and willingness to run at defenders will be Moldova’s primary outlet to relieve the pressure and create a rare threat on the Italian goal.
Italy
Moise Kean (Forward): The dynamic striker is another potent option for Italy. Known for his pace and powerful finishing, Kean will offer a different physical threat to the Moldovan centre-backs, and his fresh energy could be key to breaking down the resistance.
Sandro Tonali (Midfielder): The deep-lying playmaker is the tempo-setter for Italy. His vision, long-range passing, and ability to dictate the flow of the game will be crucial for carving open the packed Moldovan defence. He will be expected to control the midfield completely.
Prediction
Italy arrives with immense pressure to secure a commanding victory to bridge the significant goal difference gap with Norway. While Moldova will be organized and resolute in the opening stages, their defensive frailties against high-quality opposition have been repeatedly exposed in this campaign. Italy’s consistent attacking output, coupled with their motivation for a high-scoring win, should prove too strong for the hosts. Expect Gli Azzurri to dominate possession, create numerous chances, and ultimately achieve the comfortable victory they require.
Score Prediction: Moldova 0-4 Italy
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This critical FIFA World Cup Qualifying – UEFA match is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Viaplay Sports or other broadcasters holding the rights for this specific UEFA qualifying fixture.
In the United States (US), the match is typically available to watch and stream live on FOX Sports 2 (FS2) and its associated streaming services, including Fubo TV or ViX+.
In Italy, the match will be broadcast live on RAI 1 and streamed on RaiPlay.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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