Mateo Retegui and Italy disappointed again. © APA/afp / ALBERTO PIZZOLI

Trembling against football dwarf: Italy, is that really you?

Italian football is at rock bottom – once again. After the humiliation against Norway, the Azzurri also disappointed against Moldova on Monday.

June 09, 2025

From: det

Italy, is that really you? Millions of fans in Italy's boot-shaped country are probably asking themselves that question these days. The Squadra Azzurra, once a true football powerhouse, is now a mere shadow of its former self. After Friday's embarrassing 0-3 defeat to Norway, Italy is worried about its participation in the 2026 World Cup. Monday's second qualifying match against Moldova didn't exactly boost their hopes.

Although the Azzurri won 2-0, the four-time world champions once again disappointed against the football dwarf (number 154 in the world rankings). These are wild times for Italian football. After the defeat against Norway, it was announced that that coach Luciano Spalletti has to vacate his post. So the qualifying match on Monday against Moldova was his farewell match.

Italy has to tremble several times

After the humiliation in Oslo, the fans expected a reaction, a landslide victory, a goal-scoring gala. But they were bitterly disappointed. Italy presented a particularly dismal picture in the first half and had to be rescued by the video referee when a goal by Ion Nicolaescu was disallowed for offside.

Luciano Spalletti was dismissed as national coach. © APA/afp / ALBERTO PIZZOLI

Italy scored just before halftime through Giacomo Raspadori (their first real chance in the 1th minute) and added another after the break through Andrea Cambiaso (0th minute). But otherwise, little came of it – and the Azzurri repeatedly found themselves under pressure at the back against the Moldovans. "Of course, there's not much enthusiasm right now," said outgoing coach Luciano Spalletti, adding: "I couldn't make the difference."

Azzurri fear for the World Cup

Italy now hopes that a new coach will spark new euphoria. Claudio Ranieri is considered the favorite. In the qualifying group, Italy is in third place with three points after two matches. Norway (3 points after four matches) and Israel (XNUMX points after three matches) are ahead. The winner qualifies for the World Cup, while the runner-up must advance to the playoffs.