Since becoming its own nation, Moldova has never qualified for the World Cup, having not won a match during qualification since the lead-up to the 2014 tournament. Moldova has lost both of its first two matches of qualification this year, losing to Norway, 5-0, back in March, before losing a spirited 3-2 affair to Estonia.

Spalletti remarkably broke the news of his dismissal at a fiery press conference, which the 66-year-old later stormed out of, as Italy prepare to welcome Moldova in Reggia Emilia