Italy and Norway clash in their last World Cup qualifier at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on Sunday. Both sides will be searching for a positive result in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Norway aim to maintain their perfect record whilst Italy hunt for revenge after their humiliating 3-0 defeat in Oslo earlier in the campaign.
Italy vs Norway – Match preview and team news
- Date: Sunday, 16th November.
- Kick-off: 7:45pm BST.
- Venue: San Siro, Milan.
Italy team news
Riccardo Calafiori has withdrawn from the squad due to fitness concerns and will return to Arsenal, though he will watch the match from the San Siro stands. Sandro Tonali will also miss out, not through injury, but because he is carrying a yellow card suspension risk, and Gennaro Gattuso has opted to protect the midfielder for the inevitable World Cup playoff campaign.
Moise Kean, who has scored six goals in his last four appearances for Italy, was ruled out earlier in the week after suffering an injury with Fiorentina.
However, the Azzurri have shown attacking prowess in recent matches, with strikers Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca providing a lethal threat in the final third. Davide Frattesi has been confirmed to start despite carrying a booking, whilst the midfield will be anchored by experienced heads such as Nicolò Barella, who missed the Moldova game through suspension but will return.
Gattuso has hinted at tactical flexibility, suggesting Italy may employ a three-man defensive setup in certain situations to combat Norway’s attacking prowess. The manager has also emphasised the importance of physical presence and aerial dominance, areas where Norway have shown particular strength throughout qualifying.
Norway team news
Norway will arrive in Milan with a fully fit squad ready to complete their World Cup qualification campaign in style. Ståle Solbakken’s side have maintained their remarkable form, with Erling Haaland continuing his goalscoring rampage and Alexander Sørloth providing exceptional support in attack. The dynamic duo scored twice each in Norway’s 4-1 demolition of Estonia just days ago, extending Norway’s perfect record to seven consecutive victories in qualifying.
Antonio Nusa, the 20-year-old RB Leipzig winger known as the “Norwegian Neymar,” has been instrumental in Norway’s attacking success, scoring twice in qualifying and providing crucial assists throughout the campaign. Martin Ødegaard, Norway’s captain, remains unavailable due to ongoing knee rehabilitation but has been permitted to travel with the squad and continue his recovery.
The Norwegian squad have shown no signs of injuries affecting their key personnel, with Sander Berge, Julian Ryerson, and goalkeeper Orjan Nyland all fit and ready to perform at the highest level.
Form
Italy
Gennaro Gattuso’s side have bounced back impressively from their opening group loss to secure five consecutive victories across all competitions. The Azzurri recorded a crucial 2-0 away victory over Moldova in their penultimate qualifier on Thursday, with late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito securing the points. More significantly, Italy have maintained a perfect home record throughout this qualification campaign with three wins from three matches at the Giuseppe Meazza, creating a fortress-like atmosphere that has troubled visiting teams.
Norway
Ståle Solbakken’s side have been nothing short of exceptional, maintaining a perfect record of seven wins from seven matches in Group I qualifying. The Scandinavian team have established themselves as Europe’s top scorers with 33 goals in qualifying, demonstrating attacking brilliance that has dismantled every opponent they’ve faced. Norway’s away form has been equally impressive, with three victories from three matches on foreign soil, suggesting they will not be intimidated by the San Siro atmosphere.
Predicted lineups
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Cristante; Politano, Retegui, Raspadori.
Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland.
How to watch Italy vs Norway?
UK fans can watch the match live on Prime Video UK.
Read Also – Forgotten Arsenal man rubbishes exit claims ahead of January
See More – Ronaldo meltdown, Sky Sports Halo fiasco, Luis Rubiales egged
