Romania secure Moldova date

Italy postponement
The Moldovan Football Association agreed to the friendly match in Bucharest after original plans to play a friendly against FC Steaua Bucuresti fell through. Romania were themselves left without international opponents when the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) cancelled their match against the Azzurri, scheduled to take place in Siena on Wednesday, as part of their decision to suspend all footballing activity following the death of a police officer at a Serie A match on Friday.

Future date
"The FIGC told us that they will take full responsibility for having cancelled our friendly, including the financial consequences," said FRF CEO Ioan-Angelo Lupescu. "We tried to convince them to travel to Bucharest on Wednesday, and play the match away from home, but this was not possible due to their decision to suspend all football. The contract between us will remain in force and we will try to find another free date for a future friendly."

Trio recalled
Romania coach Victor Piturca has named a 22-man squad for the game against Moldova, recalling goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont after a four-month absence following his transfer and return to form with FC Dinamo 1948 Bucuresti. Mihaita Plesan and Ionut Mazilu also come back after more than a year out of the international set-up, while Lobont's team-mate, midfielder Adrian Cristea, wins a first call-up.