Italy's Shocking 3-0 Loss to Norway: A Setback for the Azzurri in the World Cup Qualifiers
Italy Endures World Cup Qualifier Shame against Haaland's Norwegian Team
Italy, a four-time World Cup champions, had a dismal start in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, losing to Norway 0:3 (0:3) in Oslo. Led by coach Luciano Spalletti, the Squadra Azzurra was outshined by the Norwegians, who boast star striker Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. Norway clinched their first victory against Italy in a World Cup qualifier in 25 years.
The match saw a dominant Norway, with all three goals scored before halftime. Italy struggled defensively, offering minimal attacking threats, with just one shot on target in added time. Haaland was clinical, scoring his 41st goal in 42 matches for Norway. Nusa and Sorloth also played pivotal roles, exploiting Italy's inexperienced and injury-depleted backline.
This loss puts Italy in fourth place in UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group I, with only two matches played. Norway, on the other hand, leads the group with nine points from three matches. Italy's poor performance in the World Cup qualifiers is a continuation of their recent struggles, having missed the last two World Cups.
Following the disappointing result, Donnarumma described the performance as "not acceptable" and called for unity and responsibility among the team. Coach Spalletti faces mounting pressure to turn things around swiftly.
Meanwhile, the German national team, guided by coach Julian Nagelsmann, is vying with Italy for the ninth spot in the FIFA rankings, attempting to secure a better starting position in the group draw for the expanded 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Germany is currently ahead of Italy in ninth place.
Nagelsmann's team will face Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg in the qualifiers starting in September. However, before that, they have the Nations League third-place match against France on Sunday, viewed as a test of character.
- Erling Haaland
- Football
- World Cup Qualifying
- World Cup 2026
- Italy
Enrichment Data:- Norway dominated the match, taking a 3-0 lead by halftime. Italy offered little resistance in attack, with only one shot on target in added time.- Haaland was impressive, scoring the 41st goal in 42 matches for Norway. Nusa and Sorloth also had significant contributions, taking advantage of Italy's inexperienced and injury-depleted defense.- Italy's poor performance in the World Cup qualifiers continues their recent struggles, having missed the last two World Cups.- Italy currently sits fourth in UEFA World Cup Qualifying Group I, while Norway leads with nine points from three matches.- Donnarumma expressed disappointment with the team's performance and called for unity and responsibility among the players to turn things around. Coach Spalletti faces mounting pressure to improve results swiftly.
source: ntv.de, tsi/sid/dpa
Italy must rally quickly to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup.
In light of the 3-0 defeat to Norway, community policy discussions in the Italian football team are inevitably turning towards finding effective vocational training programs for its players to strengthen their skills and turn around their recent poor performance. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland's impressive exhibition of football prowess highlights the vital importance of vocational training for Norway's star striker, who has scored an astounding 41 goals in 42 matches for his team, even during World Cup qualifiers.
