FIFA 2026: Norway clash with Italy Lineups and Insight

FIFA 2026: Italy travels to Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo this Friday night to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Norway. Due to their involvement in the UEFA Nations League earlier in the year, Gli Azzurri are the only side in Group I yet to kick off their qualification journey. In contrast, Norway has already played twice in March, enjoying a dominant start.

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They crushed Moldova 5-0 and followed that up with a 4-2 win away to Israel, climbing to the top of the group after two rounds of action. These early victories may have set the foundation for Norway’s long-awaited return to the World Cup. The last time the Scandinavian nation qualified was in 1998. With a new wave of talent led by the prolific Erling Haaland.

Manager Ståle Solbakken could guide Norway back to football’s grandest stage, a first for many in the squad. Italy, on the other hand, is no stranger to elite competition, but recent years have seen it fall short on the biggest stage. Despite being crowned European champions in 2021, the four-time World Cup winners haven’t reached the tournament since 2014.

Italy Faces Tough Norway Challenge in Road to FIFA World Cup 2026

Failing to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 editions. Under former boss Roberto Mancini, Italy went unbeaten in their 2022 World Cup qualifying group, four wins and four draws, but a shock playoff defeat to North Macedonia dashed their hopes of going to Qatar. That bitter loss still looms over the team as they look to start fresh under new management.

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Norway, equine high on self-confidence, is directing for a third successive World Cup qualifying victory, something they’ve achieved only before this century. Their current run of four straight wins in all competitions includes an impressive 18 goals scored and just three conceded, showcasing both attacking flair and defensive solidity.

Italy’s visit won’t necessarily faze the Norwegians, especially considering their formidable home record. They’ve suffered just one defeat in their last nine World Cup qualifiers on home soil, five wins, three draws, with most of those wins coming by more than one goal, a sign of growing strength and belief in front of their fans.

Football World Cup 2026 Norway Hopes to Rewrite History against Italy

That said, Norway has historically struggled against Italy. Their last win over the Azzurri came in June 2000. Since then, they’ve faced them four times, drawing once and losing three times, all of which ended 2-0 in favor of Italy. However, it’s worth noting that their last encounter took place a decade ago, back in 2015.

With their World Cup drought dragging on, Italy are desperate to make a strong start in Group I. But their recent form offers little reassurance. Luciano Spalletti’s side comes into this fixture without a win in three matches, one draw, and two defeats. Most recently playing out a chaotic 3-3 draw with Germany.

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Even accounting for the strength of their recent opponents, France and Germany conceding eight goals in three games raises serious questions about the defense. Spalletti will need to tighten things up at the back if Italy is to return to the World Cup. Traditionally, their cover has been a key asset, mainly in qualifiers.

Italy Defensive Record Faces Norwegian Firepower in World Cup 2026 Qualifier

Italy hasn’t conceded in any of their last four World Cup qualifying away games, two wins and two draws, with their previous such goal against coming in 2017 against Sweden. However, the mood around the national squad isn’t exactly upbeat. Pressures rosette former this week when veteran defender Francesco Acerbi was extracted from the squad.

Quoting a lack of esteem from the training staff. While Haaland is undoubtedly the main man for Norway, having been named among the world’s best strikers by ESPN, he’s far from the only threat. Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sorloth brings power and presence up front, while Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard offers creativity and leadership in midfield.

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Italy, meanwhile, has its absentees to deal with. Defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Matteo Gabbia are unobtainable, and striker Moise Kean is also out. That puts added pressure on Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Gatti to hold things together at the back. Bastoni, in particular, has a point to prove. He’ll be looking to bounce back.

Italy Hopes for Redemption in Oslo as Norway Gains Edge in FIFA 2026

After a poor outing in Inter Milan’s heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. Italy will be counting on its redemption arc to begin in Oslo. This won’t be an easy task for Italy. Even major betting firms are tipping Norway as slight favorites, a rare occurrence in this kind of match-up and a clear indication of how seriously the hosts are being taken.

A tight, intense game is likely. While Norway seems to have the edge based on recent form and home advantage, Italy’s tournament experience and tactical discipline could help them grind out a result. Bastoni freshly originated the clear in a league clash at the Unipol Domus, scoring with a dominant header.

Inter teammates Lautaro Martinez and Hakan Çalhanoğlu added their names to the scoresheet, helping the Nerazzurri close the gap to Atalanta at the top of the table after La Dea were held to a 1-1 draw by Lazio. Speaking after that match, Bastoni admitted his goal was a bit of a fluke. Honestly, I wasn’t trying to score.

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