Overview

• The Italian Football Federation has relieved Luciano Spalletti of his duties following a 3-0 defeat to Norway and a 2-0 win over Moldova in Reggio Emilia.
• Giacomo Raspadori opened the scoring in the 40th minute and Andrea Cambiaso doubled the lead early in the second half to secure Italy’s first qualifying victory.
• Italy sits third in Group I with three points from two matches, nine points behind unbeaten Norway, who tops the group with 12 points from four games.
• Spalletti attributed the team’s inconsistent performances to a congested domestic calendar that left players fatigued.
• Claudio Ranieri, who retired in May after leading AS Roma to fifth place, is reported to be the frontrunner to take over as Italy’s next coach.