Norway V Italy match preview
Norway and Italy balanced in a key World Cup qualifier Friday night, with both sides looking to strengthen their path to North America’s 2026 Championships.
The bet is particularly high for Italians, eager to avoid a third consecutive failure to get the biggest stage in football.
Host Norway won two matches in a brilliant form.
Moldova and Israel won the top of the three-pointer.
Meanwhile, Italy was involved in the National Alliance until earlier this year.
After a series of turbulent results, including a first-half collapse against Germany and a major collapse in exports in early 2024 Euro 2024, manager Luciano Spalletti is under increasing pressure to get Azzurri back on track.
With home court advantages and stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, Norway will be confident of taking a major step towards qualification.
But despite many absentees, Italy still has enough qualifications to see them undermine the party in Oslo.
Let’s go to Oslo! ✈️#Norita #azzurri #vivoazzurro pic.twitter.com/4que7s71an
– Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(@azzurri_en) June 5, 2025
Norway v Italy’s team news
Norwegian manager Stale Solbakken has a full-strength team and will likely stick to the same core group, which has won two compelling wins to start their qualifying match.
Erling Haaland leads the season after scoring in two games, while Martin Odegaard continues to curate the midfield game. Alexander Sørloth is expected to anchor in midfield with Sander Berge and Patrick Berg.
Italy is dealing with several key absences. Midfielder Manuel Locatelli was occupied by an ankle injury, and the defensive choices were reduced by the evacuation of Alessandro Buongiorno, Matteo Gabbia and Moise Kean.
Veteran Francesco Acerbi chose to quit the team for personal reasons after tensions with the manager. Daniele Rugani is summoned to help fill the gap on the back.
With these limitations, Spalletti may rely on three interim defenders and has the support of midfielders like Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali.
In the front, Giacomo Raspadori is in form, and Mateo Retegui also offers a target threat after finishing as Serie A’s top scorer.
Keane left the training camp.
As he found muscle problems at yesterday’s meeting, the striker was unable to play for our upcoming game. He returned to the club for treatment.#azzurri #vivoazzurro pic.twitter.com/z9xjzewhqo
– Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(@azzurri_en) June 5, 2025
Norway v Italy’s expected lineup
Norway: Nylan Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Schjelderup; Thorin, Haylan
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Gatti, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, retegui
How to watch Norway V Italy: TV channel, stream online
The match between Norway and Italy will be broadcast live on major sports networks in Europe.
In the UK, coverage is available on Amazon Prime Video.
Statistics from Norway v. Italy
- Last meeting: Italy 2-1 Norway (European European Cup Qualification)
- This century is right opposite: 4 meetings – Italy 3 wins, 1 draw
- Norway’s last World Cup appearance: 1998
- Italy’s last World Cup appearance: 2014
- So far, the highest eligibility score: Erling Haaland (Norway) – 2 goals
- Italian form: dwwlld
- Norwegian form: wlwww
prophecy
Norway may have advantages in this regard due to many factors.
Their missing stars could play a key role due to two wins in the opener, and Norway is at a high point in momentum.
Azzurri will fight, but Norway will be more advantageous in this qualifier to score all three points.
Forecast: Norway 3-1 Italy
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