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.

Luciano Spalletti ended his time with Italy having won 12 of his 24 matches at the helm (D6 L6), with his team averaging 1.75 points per match