World Cup qualifiers have brought Italy plenty of pain in recent years and the latest campaign is already in jeopardy after boss Luciano Spalletti revealed this clash with Moldova will be his last in charge.
The Azzurri have seem to have been cursed since lifting the World Cup for a fourth time in Berlin back in 2006. They failed to get out of the group stage in the next two tournaments then didn't even qualify for Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
Italy now have the misfortune to be scrapping it out with a dangerous Norway side for top spot in Group I in another World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Italians kicked off with a dismal 3-0 loss in Oslo on Friday night as three bets landed for our man Mark. They are now playing playing catch-up, with the Norwegians nine points ahead, albeit having played two games more.
And ahead of this clash with the Moldovans, Spalletti dropped the bombshell that he will be axed no matter what the outcome of the game is. There will now be a strange atmosphere in Reggio Emilia but the Italy boss should at least sign off with a win against poor opposition.
Norway netted five times in Moldova in the group opener, bringing up one of our Super Singles, and the minnows then lost 3-2 at home to a limited Estonia side.
So the Italians could run riot in this one if the Eastern European side defend so badly again.
How the bookies view it: Italian sob for minnows
With Moldova in such poor form so far in Group I, BoyleSports make them 28/1 outsiders for this one. Italy are tiny at 1/14 and even the draw pays a hefty 10/1.
Head to head: Azzurri in command
These nations have faced off just five times before and Italy have a perfect record so far. They last met in a friendly five years ago and the Azzurri romped to a a 6-0 win in Florence.
Players to watch: Mat finish
Mateo Retegui has established himself as Italy's most reliable striker in recent years and has netted six/seven times from 18/19 caps. The Atalanta forward is just 3/4 for anytime scorer here at Unibet but backing him for two or more goals pays 9/4 with SkyBet. He's also 29/10 at Unibet to score first.
Ion Nicolaescu is the main man for Moldova, with the Heerenveen forward grabbing 17/18 goals in 51/2 caps. He's 6/1 for anytime scorer here with Paddy Power.
Probable line-ups
Spalletti may decide to freshen things up a bit, with a short turnaround from the clash with Norway. Moldova should be back to their strongest side after playing a friendly against Poland on Friday but defender Maxim Cojocaru is banned after a red card in their last qualifier.
Italy: Donnarumma, Coppola, Bastoni, Di Lorenzo, Di Marco, Fratessi, Tonali, Udogie, Barella, Retegui, Raspadori.
Moldova: Kozhukhar, Reabciuk, Baboglo, Posmac, Craciun, Bodisteanu, Motpan, Nicolaescu, Caimacov, Rata, Postolachi.
Anything else catch the eye?
There should be a reaction from Italy after that awful performance in Oslo and I'd imagine Spalletti will want his side to fly out of the traps. That makes over 1.5 first-half goals worth a look at 20/23 with BoyleSports while Bet365 are offering 5/6 on a goal before the 21st minute.
Given Moldova conceded three times against Estonia in their last qualifier, I also like over 3.5 Italy goals at 11/10 with BoyleSports.
GambleAware