Moldova arrive in Rome off the back of a worrying run of form, having shipped 10 goals across their last three outings, of which they’ve lost all three, including a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Norway.
There are familiar failings across the board: defensive frailty, minimal midfield control, and an attack that often fails to assert itself unless chasing the game.
Moldova’s most recent clash was a friendly against Poland, where they disappointed once more, failing to find a way onto the scoresheet and succumbing to a 2-0 defeat.
Previous to that, they came up short against Estonia, after finding themselves 2-0 down inside half an hour, largely courtesy of a red. They managed to fight back to a degree, and after Estonia later went down to 10 men themselves, fans were treated to a great watch, which ultimately ended 3-2 to Estonia.
Nonetheless, it remains three losses in three, and against a wounded Italy side, Moldova look ill-equipped to cope with Italy.