Mansion Sports – The upcoming clash between Moldova and Italy in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (UEFA Zone, Group I) is set to be one of the most intriguing fixtures as the qualification stage nears its conclusion. The match is scheduled to take place at Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău on Thursday, 13 November 2025, at 21:45 local time.

For Italy, this encounter represents a crucial opportunity to keep their hopes of direct qualification alive without having to rely on the playoff route. 

Meanwhile, for Moldova, it serves as a chance to close their qualification journey with dignity in front of their home supporters.

Here is Mansion Sports’ prediction for the Moldova vs Italy lineup for November 2025.

Team Conditions Ahead of the Match

Italy

Italy arrive in Chișinău carrying both pressure and optimism. Gennaro Gattuso’s side must win to keep their hopes of finishing atop Group I alive, though their fate will also depend on the result of the Norway vs Estonia match.

Currently sitting second in the standings, three points behind Norway, Italy face a tough challenge due to an inferior goal difference. 

However, victory over Moldova could provide vital momentum heading into their decisive final fixture against Norway at San Siro.

Under Gattuso’s management since the summer, Italy’s performances have become increasingly solid. They have recorded four consecutive wins with impressive attacking output — 16 goals in four matches, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Israel in October. 

Forward Mateo Retegui has been particularly influential, contributing five goals and four assists throughout the qualifiers.

Despite their improved form, Italy remain haunted by the memories of failing to qualify for the World Cup twice in a row, in 2018 and 2022, both times through the playoff stage. 

Gattuso has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus until the very end, with this match serving as another test of the team’s maturity and determination.

Moldova

For Moldova, the focus lies on ending their qualifying campaign on a respectable note. After suffering seven consecutive defeats, a 1-1 draw against Estonia last month offered a small glimpse of progress for the side currently ranked 156th in the FIFA world rankings.

Under the guidance of Lilian Popescu, Moldova have shown efforts to be more disciplined and organized, even though they continue to struggle against stronger opposition. 

Historically, Moldova have lost all six of their previous meetings against Italy, conceding heavily on each occasion.

Still, with home support and renewed spirit, Moldova aim to deliver a competitive performance and possibly frustrate the Azzurri, who are expected to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the match.

Group I Standings Before the Match

Predicted Lineups for Moldova vs Italy – November 2025

Moldova (Formation 5-3-1-1)

Moldova will be without versatile midfielder Nichita Moțpan due to injury, but they welcome back experienced players Artur Ioniță and Ion Nicolaescu, both expected to play key roles.

Nicolaescu, the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer, remains their biggest hope in attack to find the net against Donnarumma.

Italy (Formation 4-3-3)

Gattuso is expected to rotate his squad slightly to manage player fitness ahead of the decisive showdown with Norway. 

Nicolo Barella will be unavailable due to suspension, with Bryan Cristante likely stepping into midfield.

Injury concerns also affect the Azzurri lineup. Moise Kean is ruled out, prompting Nicolo Cambiaghi’s call-up as a replacement. 

Both Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Chiesa remain doubtful, but Gianluca Scamacca is set to lead the line alongside Mateo Retegui and Riccardo Orsolini.

Closing

The Moldova vs Italy fixture in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers may appear uneven on paper, yet every match carries its own narrative. 

Italy require victory to sustain their automatic qualification hopes, while Moldova will fight to conclude their campaign with pride.

With the predicted lineups for Moldova vs Italy in November 2025 highlighting a blend of experience and fresh energy, the match promises to deliver a compelling contest. 

Whether Italy secure all three points to pressure Norway or Moldova manage to spring a surprise in Chișinău, the answers will unfold when the referee’s whistle signals kick-off.