Moldova vs Italy prediction 13.11.2025 | World Cup Qualifiers

Moldova’s struggles on the international stage are well-documented. They finished bottom of their qualifying group in each of the last two World Cup campaigns without picking up a single win.

Six games into the current cycle, little has changed. Lilian Popescu’s team have yet to taste victory, collecting only one point from six matches.

Their poor start included five straight defeats before a 1-1 draw with Estonia last month finally broke the losing streak. That result extended Moldova’s winless run across all competitions to nine matches but at least there’s been some improvement in attack - they’ve scored in their last three outings.

For Thursday’s clash, Mihail Caimacov and Ion Nicolaescu, who have each found the net once in qualifying, are expected to lead the line as the hosts look to spring a surprise.

Italy, meanwhile, are on a mission to right the wrongs of the past after missing the last two World Cups. Gennaro Gattuso’s men sit second in the group, three points behind leaders Norway, and they know that nothing but a win will do before their crucial showdown with the Norwegians this weekend.

The Azzurri come into this match brimming with confidence after five straight wins, powered by a ruthless attack that has scored at least three goals in four of those games.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, now thriving at Manchester City, has been a steady presence between the posts, while Sandro Tonali is expected to control the midfield after a string of impressive performances for Newcastle United.