Italy Thrashed 3-0 by Norway in World Cup Qualifier Opener
WafricNews - june 7, 2025
Italy has been thrown into a state of crisis following a humbling 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The Azzurri, under head coach Luciano Spalletti, were left stunned after a ruthless first-half display by the hosts in Oslo.
Norway struck early, with Alexander Sorloth and teenage sensation Antonio Nusa finding the back of the net before Arsenal’s midfield maestro Martin Ødegaard teed up Manchester City’s Erling Haaland for the third — all before the halftime whistle.
Speaking after the loss, a visibly troubled Spalletti told RAI Sport, “I am the head of this group, it is a squad I chose and so I continue with them. We need to improve in certain aspects, because we cannot give advantages to the opponents by gifting the ball.”
Italy’s goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Donnarumma offered a blunt assessment. “Our supporters don’t deserve this kind of match,” said the PSG star. “We need to do some soul-searching. It's unacceptable.”
Italy, who have not featured in the last two World Cups, currently sit fourth in Group I. Although they have two games in hand due to their UEFA Nations League commitments, pressure is already mounting. Norway leads the group with nine points, followed by Israel with six and Estonia with three.
In a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia, Spalletti admitted the squad was in a "difficult moment," saying:
“There are always worries, because after a performance like that, you clearly have to ask yourself questions and realise there are problems. But you have to face them, because there is no other possibility.”
“There are always worries, because after a performance like that, you clearly have to ask yourself questions and realise there are problems. But you have to face them, because there is no other possibility.”
Italy now looks ahead to a must-win clash on Monday against bottom-placed Moldova, who have lost both of their opening games.
By WafricNews Sports Desk.
By WafricNews Sports Desk.
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