Luciano Spalletti concluded his tenure as Italy manager with a 2-0 victory over Moldova, ending a run of four games without a win (D1, L3), as the Azzurri attempted to qualify for their first FIFA World Cup since 2014.

Following a bruising 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening WC qualifier, Italy could not afford any surprises against Moldova.

Fortunately for the home fans, the early scare proved momentary when Ion Nicolaescu’s header was disallowed for offside.

Relentless Italian pressure soon followed, with debutant Luca Ranieri heading Giacomo Raspadori’s whipped free-kick onto the crossbar. However, goalkeeper Cristian Avram was rarely troubled, making just one relatively simple save to keep out a Mateo Retegui shot.

However, in the 40th minute, Avram could do nothing to prevent Raspadori from displaying brilliant technique as he guided a half-cleared, bouncing ball into the bottom corner.

After a promising start to the second half, the visitors' spirits were quickly dampened when Andrea Cambiaso swept home a loose ball in the box to double Italy’s lead.

Eight of the Azzurri’s last nine matches had produced at least three goals, but then followed a quiet period in front of goal, with Davide Frattesi sending two tame shots at Avram.

Ultimately, the two-goal cushion proved enough to secure Italy a win on a night that delivered three vital points but little else.

Defeat in all three qualifiers so far leaves Moldova bottom of Group I, and their hopes of making their first appearance at a major tournament as an independent nation are already looking bleak.

Claudio Ranieri, rumoured to be taking charge of the Italians, will need group leaders Norway to slip up in their remaining matches if his nation is to guarantee qualification. They are currently trailing Løvene by nine points with two games in hand.