Belgium pipped Wales 4-3 in a thrilling finish, with Kevin de Bruyne netting the winner in the 88th minute. Croatia thrashed Czechia 5-1, Faroe Islands beat Gibraltar 2-1 and Norway defeated Estonia 1-0. In the earlier game of the evening, North Macedonia had gotten the better of Kazakhstan 1-0.
The final whistle is blown and Italy finish with a comfortable 2-0 win over Moldova. The visitors will feel they did not deserve this scoreline, given how well they fought and the number of chances they created. But the Azzurri would take the result, which marks the end of Luciano Spalletti's tenure as boss after his sacking.
Over at the Optus Arena in Osijek, Croatia, the hosts have scored four goals in a space of 13 minutes to go 5-1 ahead against a hapless Czech Republic. Luka Modric's side are well on their way to a statement victory.
Elsewhere, Belgium lead Wales 3-2 in their FIFA World Cup qualifying clash. The hosts had taken a 3-0 lead in the first 27 minutes of the game via Romelu Lukaku (penalty), Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku. But Wales have bounced back with goals on either sides of half time from Harry Wilson (penalty) and Sorba Thomas.
Andrea Cambiaso puts Italy double to the good in the 50th minute. The defender latches to Davide Frattesi's assist and the Azurri are well on their way to three points tonight.
The players are back after the mid-game interval and the second half kicks off. Italy now attacking from right to left and Moldova from left to right.
The first half comes to an end with Italy ahead by the solitary goal, though Moldova have come close to scoring a few times and are by no means out of the contest.
Giacomo Raspadori puts Italy ahead in the 40th minute. Caimacov blocks Ricci's initial shot, but Raspadori is in the right place at the right time and slots it in with a first-time right-footer from the edge of the penalty area.
While Moldova had an early scare for Italy, the hosts have regrouped well since then, creating chances of their own. The Azzurri have had 73 per cent of the possession in the first 23 minutes of the game and six attempts to top that off.
Italy very nearly have a horror start to the game, as Ion Nicolaescu puts the ball in the back of the net but the goal is disallowed, with the Moldovan forward adjudged to be offside upon VAR check. Warning bell for Spalletti and Co.
Luciano Spalletti's final game as Italy boss begins. The Azzurri attacking from left to right and Moldova from right to left in the first half. A tearful Spalletti had earlier spoken passionately about what the Italy shirt means to him. Can he go out on a high?
We are moments away from the start of the clash. Both teams are on the pitch and the national anthem renditions have just been done. Kick-off coming right up.
While Italy still have seven matches to play, there is a distinct possibility of them missing out on direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Azzurri are nine points behind Norway with two spare games in hand. Though Estonia as well as tonight's rivals Moldova are underdogs, Italy might have to compete with Israel to take the playoff route.
The teams news is in. Let us take a look at how Italy and Moldova line up ahead of kick-off in Reggio Emilia:
Despite being continental heavyweights and four-time FIFA World Cup champions, Italy's last appearance was a group-stage exit at Brazil 2014. Defeated by Sweden on the road to Russia, the Azzurri then suffered a notorious loss to North Macedonia in the playoffs for Qatar 2022. All that history, followed by a 0-3 humbling by Norway perhaps precipitated Spalletti's firing.
The FIFA World Cup European 2026 qualifying match between Italy and Moldova will kick off at 12:15am IST. It will be live streamed on the SonyLiv app and website in India and telecast on the Sony Sports Network TV channels in the country.
Greetings and welcome to everyone joining us this Monday night. The FIFA World Cup European qualifiers continue and we have Italy facing Moldova in a crucial Group I encounter. We will bring to you the build-up and live updates from the clash.