Italy and Norway face off in their final World Cup qualifying match at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza this Sunday. Both teams are eager to secure a positive outcome in what promises to be an exciting showdown.
Norway aim to preserve their flawless qualifying run, while Italy seek to redeem themselves after suffering a heavy 3-0 loss in Oslo earlier in the campaign.
Italy team news
Riccardo Calafiori has withdrawn from the squad due to fitness issues and will be heading back to Arsenal, although he is expected to watch the game from the stands at San Siro. Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali won’t feature in this fixture—not due to injury but because he’s at risk of suspension from yellow cards, with coach Gennaro Gattuso choosing to rest him ahead of the upcoming World Cup playoffs.
Moise Kean, who has been in impressive form with six goals in his last four games for Italy, was forced to withdraw earlier this week after picking up an injury with Fiorentina.
Despite these absences, Italy’s attacking options remain potent, with forwards Mateo Retegui and Gianluca Scamacca showing lethal form in front of goal. Davide Frattesi has been confirmed to start, despite a booking, and the midfield will rely on seasoned players like Nicolò Barella, who missed the recent match against Moldova due to suspension but will return here.
Gattuso has indicated that Italy may switch to a three-defender formation at times to counter Norway’s strong attacking threats. He has also stressed the need for physicality and aerial strength, areas in which Norway have excelled so far during the qualifiers.
Italy predicted lineup
Possible Italy starting XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Cristante; Politano, Retegui, Raspadori
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Sunday, 16th November.
How to watch Italy vs Norway?
For fans in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Prime Video UK.
Read Also – Chelsea defender lauds Maresca following comeback from injury
See More – Crystal Palace star reveals Man Utd transfer ‘dream’
