Ahead of kick-off at the MAPEI Stadium, Spalletti announced he had been relieved of his duties after a 3-0 defeat to Norway in the first game of its 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, which gave Italy an early scare in the contest. 

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

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

Giacomo Raspadori 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. 

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 after good work from substitute Riccardo Orsolini.

Italy missed a 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 was able to hold on as it picked up its first win in Group I, but is now nine points behind leader Norway after its 1-0 win over Estonia.