Italy Predicted Lineup vs Moldova: Spalletti’s Last Stand Shakes Up Team Selection

Ryno Ellis

10 Jun 2025

Sports

Spalletti’s Sudden Farewell Stirs the Lineup

Few expected Italy’s coaching seat to heat up so quickly just before their clash with Moldova, but Luciano Spalletti’s exit has put extra attention on the squad sheet. Facing his last match in charge, Spalletti looks set to shake up his tactical approach, ditching the usual setup for a 3-5-2. This format reloads midfield control and tightens the back line, reflecting not only squad limitations but also the emotional charge running through the camp as they prepare for change.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, a rock between the posts, leads an altered defense. Giovanni Di Lorenzo slides to his regular spot, while Luca Ranieri replaces the young Diego Coppola. Alessandro Bastoni keeps his spot as the most experienced center-back. Spalletti’s call to swap Ranieri in is more than a tactical tweak—it’s a signal that even at the twilight of his tenure, he’s demanding full focus and adaptability from his team.

The midfield’s the big story. With Andrea Cambiaso and Destiny Udogie offering width, Italy hopes to stretch Moldova’s tired legs. But it’s Davide Frattesi’s fresh energy that stands out. After calming nerves in the last match coming off the bench in Oslo, he gets the nod to start. Alongside him, Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella bring a mix of creativity and bite. This midfield five isn’t just about plugging gaps—it’s about setting the pace right from the whistle, covering for last-minute injuries, and keeping a grip on an unpredictable game.

Attack Under Pressure and Moldova’s Challenge

Up front, the options are thin. Moise Kean’s injury means Spalletti sticks with Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui. Neither has set the world alight lately, but they offer mobility and pressing, exactly what’s needed to break through a Moldova side known for sitting deep and crowding their box. For Raspadori especially, it’s a real opportunity to prove his worth as Italy heads for a period of transition.

Moldova comes into this with their own headaches. Religious about their defensive structure, they’re now forced to patch things up after losing Maxim Cojocaru and others to suspension. Coach Serghei Clescenco must rely almost entirely on Ion Nicolaescu, whose 17 goals make him the undisputed danger man. He’ll likely plow a lonely furrow up top, feeding off scraps. But even one moment of space, and Italy could see themselves undone by his finishing.

Through all these changes, Spalletti’s words before the match ring out. He’s not just stepping aside; he’s leaving behind a team he clearly cares for deeply. "I love this shirt, this job and the players I’ve coached," he said with feeling. That attachment has shaped his bold lineup decisions, determined not just by tactics or injuries, but by the pride in giving the Azzurri every shot at going out strong.

20 Comments

Sagar Singh
June 10, 2025 AT 21:07

Spalletti’s exit is the ultimate plot twist!
aishwarya singh
June 11, 2025 AT 11:01

The lineup feels fresh, especially with Ranieri stepping in.
Donnarumma still looks solid between the sticks.
Italy might surprise Moldova if the midfield clicks.
Ajay Kumar
June 12, 2025 AT 00:54

i think spalletti is trying 2 look cool with that 3-5-2 but the guys are not ready its all over for Italy maybe
somiya Banerjee
June 12, 2025 AT 14:47

Seeing our Azzurri push back with a bold 3‑5‑2 makes my blood roar – this is Italy reclaiming its glory!
Rahul Verma
June 13, 2025 AT 04:41

what if spalletti quit because the federation is pulling strings behind the scenes we never see
Vishnu Das
June 13, 2025 AT 18:34

Wow, what a roller‑coaster of emotions! The fans are on edge; the players must be buzzing with adrenaline!
sandeep sharma
June 14, 2025 AT 08:27

Let’s go Italy! Show them what you’re made of!
pragya bharti
June 14, 2025 AT 22:21

Football, at its core, is a mirror reflecting the collective psyche of a nation.
When a coach departs unexpectedly, the ripples extend far beyond the tactical board.
Spalletti’s farewell is not merely a professional decision, but a symbolic passing of the torch.
The shift to a 3‑5‑2 formation signals a desire to dominate the midfield, the heart of the game.
Midfielders like Frattesi and Barella become the engine, translating vision into motion.
In this configuration, wing‑backs such as Cambiaso and Udogie serve as both guardians and attackers.
The defensive line, anchored by Donnarumma and Bastoni, must adapt to new spatial responsibilities.
Ranieri’s insertion challenges traditional hierarchies, urging players to embrace flexibility.
Moldova’s defensive woes offer Italy a canvas to paint a tactical masterpiece.
Yet, football is never deterministic; a single lapse can rewrite the script.
The psychological weight of a coaching transition can amplify both confidence and anxiety.
Fans, aware of the stakes, project their hopes onto the players, creating an invisible pressure.
Such pressure can forge resilience or crack resolve, depending on the collective mindset.
Ultimately, the outcome will hinge on execution, cohesion, and a dash of fortune.
Regardless of the result, this match will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in Italy’s football narrative.
ARPITA DAS
June 15, 2025 AT 12:14

I must say, the eloquent prose of the previous comment is commendable however the reality is far less poetic – the squad is riddled with injuries and questionable form, making any 3‑5‑2 ambiotion look like a pipe dream.
Sung Ho Paik
June 16, 2025 AT 02:07

Totally agree 🤔! Spalletti’s legacy will live on, and the guys have a real chance to shine ✨. Let’s cheer them on!
Sanjay Kumar
June 16, 2025 AT 16:01

Spalletti’s tactics are a mess the midfield is overcrowded and the forwards lack fire
Veena Baliga
June 17, 2025 AT 05:54

The Azzurri must embody the spirit of Italy and demonstrate superiority on the pitch; any lapse would be unacceptable.
vishal Hoc
June 17, 2025 AT 19:47

I think the team will do fine. They have good players and can win.
vicky fachrudin
June 18, 2025 AT 09:41

Indeed, the strategic shift is fascinating; it offers a fresh perspective on Italy’s gameplay; one can only hope it pays off!
subhashree mohapatra
June 18, 2025 AT 23:34

While the lineup looks theoretically sound, the lack of a true striker worries me; Moldova could capitalize on that.
Mansi Bansal
June 19, 2025 AT 13:27

Remember, every player brings something unique; supporting each other will make the difference in this match.
ajay kumar
June 20, 2025 AT 03:21

Yo, Italy’s got this, just play it smooth and win.
Sampada Pimpalgaonkar
June 20, 2025 AT 17:14

Sounds like an exciting game, hope it turns out great for the Azzurri!
Chinmay Bhoot
June 21, 2025 AT 07:07

Honestly this whole 3‑5‑2 is a gimmick; Spalletti is just buying time and it’s obvious.
Raj Bajoria
June 21, 2025 AT 21:01

Will be a tight game.