Italy 2-0 Moldova: Spalletti's swansong ends with comfortable victory

Luciano Spalletti's final game in charge of Italy ended on a high as he oversaw a comfortable 2-0 victory over Moldova in a World Cup qualifier on Monday. 

Ahead of kick-off at the MAPEI Stadium, Spalletti announced he had been relieved of his duties following a 3-0 defeat to Norway in the first game of their qualifying campaign.

But he was able to bring up his 12th win in his 24th and last game at the helm against the side ranked 154th in the world rankings, who gave Italy an early scare in the contest. 

Ion Nicolaescu believed he had headed Moldova in front in the ninth minute, but following a VAR review, the goal was chalked off after the striker was in an offside position. 

That moment woke Italy up, and they began to dominate, with Luca Ranieri striking the crossbar with a header before Federico Dimarco fired narrowly wide of the mark. 

Giacomo Raspadori then rifled Italy into a 40th-minute lead when a headed clearance fell kindly to the Napoli striker, who sent a fierce volley into the bottom-left corner. 

But the Italians had Dimarco to thank to ensure they preserved their lead heading into the break with a clearance off the line from Daniel Dumbravanu's header. 

Andrea Cambiaso gave Italy breathing space five minutes into the second half, tucking the ball past Cristian Avram following good work from substitute Riccardo Orsolini.

Italy missed a glorious chance to wrap the game up late on, but Davide Frattesi was unable to provide the finishing touch with only Moldova goalkeeper Avram to beat. 

But Spalletti's team were able to hold on as they picked up their first win in Group I, but are now nine points behind leaders Norway after their 1-0 victory over Estonia. 

Data Debrief: Raspadori gives sacked Spalletti winning send-off

The news of Spalletti's surprise departure from the Italian national team threatened to further derail the Azzurri's chances of World Cup qualification, but they were able to get the job done on a nervy night against Moldova. 

Italy ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 2.63 from their 28 shots, though only seven of which were on target, to Moldova's 1.33 from their 18 attempts. 

But the difference proved to be the quality at the top end of the pitch, with Raspadori making a telling contribution for Italy once more. Indeed, since his debut for his country in June 2021, no player has scored more times for the Azzurri than the Napoli forward (nine).