Italy ushers in a moment of life and death: against Moldova becomes the last life-saving straw

Facing Moldova, which ranks 154th in the world, it was originally regarded as a "thirst quenching" game, but now it has become a key battle to test whether this Blue Army is still alive. Are they still ambitious rebuilding troops, or are they surviving in the cycle of decline? Italy under Spalletti is facing a darkest moment with his national team at the most difficult stage of the road to reconstruction – a victory may not cover up the problem, while a goal conceding is enough to trigger a full-scale collapse. This seemingly disparate game is not as simple as a 90-minute match against a team with a low ranking in the world. It is an ultimate test: see if the "Blue Army" still has enough desire to survive to pursue the World Cup qualification, or can only struggle to survive in the glory of the past.

Even if we defeat Moldova, Italy's qualifying situation remains grim. They are currently at the bottom of the group, have not scored a point and have a goal difference of -3, while their main competitor Norway has scored 9 points and a goal difference of +10. Even if you win this game, Italy must win all the next games, and not just win, but win with a big score, so that you can retain hope in the key battle with Norway in November.

The coach who once led Naples to win the historic Serie A championship is now in a storm of employment and public opinion. The previous loss to Norway not only exposed tactical chaos, but also reflected that he had lost control of the situation at a critical moment. Of course, the injury list looks like an obituary - from Scarmaca, Kean, Politano to Zachani, Scalvini - also makes it difficult for any coach to deal with it calmly.

Italy has no choice but to attack with all its might. Moldova is not Brazil, but this is the moment when the Blue Legion must take the initiative to fight back. Putting aside those so-called balanced tactical considerations, enabling three forward combinations—such as Retge, Raspadori and Orsolini—should be an absolute priority. This may not completely solve the technical and tactical problems, but at least it can send a signal: Italy is not dead yet!

The Italian Football Association is planning a plan to change coaches, and Pioli may take over

It is revealed that the Italian Football Association (FIGC) is already considering a plan to change the head coach, among which former AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli is the hottest candidate, and Ranieri is also on the shortlist. What Italy needs at present is not a long-term blueprint architect, but a "emergency doctor" - able to quickly repair the team's mental state and restart the rusty machine.

However, without systematic football philosophy changes, no new coach can really turn the situation around. The relationship between the national team and giant clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Rome, and Naples has long been rifted. When the national team is seen as an additional burden outside the Champions League schedule, any development plan is nothing more than paper talk. If this division continues, the entire Italian football system will be at risk of collapse.

Several questions that Italian football must reflect on itself

Why do Norwegian players also play in Serie A but can maintain full physical fitness in June, while Italian players are exhausted early? Why can Spain, France and Germany use naturalized players but cultivate geniuses like Yamal, Musiara, and Nico Williams, but Italy cannot do it? And why can other European teams boldly use the three forward formation, while Italy is always worried about "tactical imbalance"?

The answer lies in the mindset. Italian football has long been trapped in a youth training system that emphasizes tactical discipline, lacks creativity, and excessive pursuit of results. Young players are asked to execute tactics step by step, rather than encourage them to take risks and innovate. Personality is destined to be strangled in such an environment. They are not trained to be artist-like players, but become soldiers who only perform orders mechanically. Whether the Blues can be reborn depends on this battle with Moldova. It is not only a chance to compete for three points, but also the last chance for Italy to prove that it is still alive. Whether they still retain their desire, identity and dignity—the basic belief that a team of four World Cup winners should have. If we cannot face up to reality and only ease the superficial crisis by changing coaches without touching on deep causes, then the dream of the World Cup will eventually become a memory.