Moldova vs. Italy probable line-ups: 4-4-2 idea for Gattuso | OneFootball

Gianluca Scamacca, Giacomo Raspadori and Guglielmo Vicario are already confirmed to start for Italy against Moldova, but there are still many doubts for Gennaro Gattuso, including the system.

It kicks off at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.

This is the penultimate fixture in Group I for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and only Norway dropping points against Estonia tomorrow can set up a situation where Italy could finish top.

That is because even if they finish level on points, Norway have a goal difference of +26 compared to +10 for the Azzurri.

IPSWICH, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Portman Road on February 22, 2025 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)

There are injuries to deal with, as Moise Kean and Niccolò Cambiaghi withdrew from the squad, while Gattuso has already stated he will start Scamacca and Raspadori upfront, with Tottenham’s Vicario in goal.

Nicolò Barella is suspended and therefore unavailable, the coach confirming that Federico Dimarco and Matteo Gabbia will initially be on the bench.

It is reported that Gattuso will reshuffle to a 4-4-2 formation, starting Sandro Tonali and Bryan Cristante, with Riccardo Orsolini and Mattia Zaccagni taking wide roles.

Italy (4-4-2): Vicario; Bellanova, Mancini, Buongiorno, Cambiaso; Orsolini, Tonali, Cristante, Zaccagni; Scamacca, Raspadori