Italy warning of ‘hidden dangers’ in Moldova clash on path to 2026 World Cup

Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy assistant manager Luigi Riccio warns of ‘hidden dangers’ in tonight’s trip to Moldova, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs.

It kicks off at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri know they cannot leapfrog Norway to take first place and automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, because the Norwegians have a 100 per cent record after crushing Estonia 4-1 today.

Even if they lose to Italy at San Siro on Sunday, it will not be enough, as their goal difference is vastly superior and beyond reach.

Italy have lost hope of first place

“What the coach said in every get-together was the same, we need the right attitude, spirit of sacrifice and focus, all of which were never missing from this group. We just kept getting stronger and expect to see that again this evening,” Riccio told RAI Sport.

“We choose the players based on what we see in training, and we have great faith in those who are starting today.”

There are big changes with only three remaining starters from the last game, a 3-0 win over Israel last month, and a shift to the 4-4-2 formation.

“In this type of match, a lot depends on us and our attitude. These games always have hidden dangers, Moldova are on home turf and teams always want to give something extra against an opponent like Italy, so we need to take the initiative straight away.”

Italy must go through the play-offs in March to book their place at the 2026 World Cup, a stage at which they faltered in 2018 and 2022.