Italy wrapped up their latest qualifying matchday with a 2-0 win over Moldova, marking the final game under Luciano Spalletti. But despite the victory, the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains far from certain for the four-time world champions.

Was the Win Against Moldova Enough?

Not yet. While the three points were crucial, Italy’s qualification is still not secured. Under UEFA’s format, only the top team in each group qualifies directly, while the second-placed team must go through a single-match playoff to earn their ticket.

At the moment, Italy is not leading their group. To qualify automatically, they’ll need a perfect finish to their campaign and hope that direct rivals like Norway and Israel drop points.

What Does Italy Need to Qualify?

To secure direct qualification, Italy must:

• Finish first in their qualifying group.

If they finish second, they will:

• Enter a one-leg playoff (winner advances, loser eliminated) for a final World Cup spot.

Given the current standings and recent form, the playoff route looks more likely—but that path offers zero margin for error.

Spalletti's Departure and What's Next

Following the Moldova match, it was confirmed that Luciano Spalletti has been dismissed. His exit comes amid mounting pressure to avoid a third straight World Cup absence—something that would be unprecedented in Italy’s storied football history.

The next coach will take over with urgency, needing immediate results to avoid repeating the mistakes of past qualification campaigns.

Italy’s World Cup Nightmare Looms Again

After missing out on Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, Italy is desperate to avoid another disaster. While there is enough individual talent, the team’s inconsistency remains a concern.

With a tight schedule ahead and rising expectations from fans and media, Italy’s place in the 2026 World Cup is anything but guaranteed. The coming months will decide whether the Azzurri return to the global stage—or face a historic collapse.