The match between Italy and Norway will be the final one in Group I. The qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup turned out to be a sensation, as the Italian national team failed to beat fairly easy opponents, as football analysts believed. The game will take place at San Siro in Milan.
Italian national football team
The Italians’ qualification seemed doomed at the start when the team lost to Norway 3-0 in the opening match of Group I. This result ended Luciano Spalletti’s career as national team coach, but with the arrival of Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri began to score goals in large numbers.
The 2006 World Cup winner found balance and rhythm in this team, securing them a place in the top two. Squadra Azzurra had some scary moments in their seven matches, notably against Israel, but they managed to overcome all obstacles, including the last one against Moldova. The qualification process is not over yet, as Gli Azzurri will likely go through the playoffs to play in the 2026 World Cup.
Probable line-up (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Cristante; Politano, Retegui, Raspadori
Norway national football team
Stale Solbakken’s side have virtually guaranteed themselves victory in Group I. Norway come into this match with a 100% record in their qualifying group, and the coach will undoubtedly want to continue that run in the final match.
The Scandinavians have already secured first place after another victory in their group, the latest of which was against Estonia. Two goals from Alexander Serlot and Erling Golan secured the team points in the group. Stale Solbakken is clearly looking to get a result in the final game.
The huge goal difference (17 goals) over second-placed Italy means that the Azzurri will need a miraculous nine-goal win at the San Siro to knock Norway off top spot. So, at the moment, first and second places in Group I are more or less guaranteed, and this game is probably just a formality.
Italy Norway prediction
The match is expected to be attacking. The hosts want to take revenge for their crushing defeat at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo. Of course, the Azzurri will not be able to score nine goals, but Gattuso’s team will score more than two.
We should not rule out the Norwegians’ main strength – Erling Haaland. He, like other attacking players, is capable of surprises.
Probable score: 4:1
