Slaughtered on the Pitch: Italy's World Cup Qualifying Nightmare Against Norway
Shock waves in Italy following football disappointing performance in World Cup qualifiers
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There's no sugarcoating it: Italy's once-proud football team has hit a new low after a crushing 3-0 defeat to underdogs Norway in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The embarrassed squad, led by coach Luciano Spalletti, now faces a barrage of criticism and doubts over their ability to qualify for the tournament.
Norway's victory has greatly increased Germany's chances of being in the top pot for the 2026 World Cup group draw. With the German team currently ranked tenth, they can minimize the gap between themselves and Italy (ninth) in the upcoming Nations League third-place match against France. Only the top nine teams in the ranking used for seeding will be in the first pot, meaning tough matches against powerhouses like Argentina, Spain, or France could be in store if Italy slips.
Shameful and Unworthy: Italy's Performance Falls Short
The Italian media is merciless in their assessment of Italy's poor performance against Norway. "Gazzetta dello Sport" didn't mince words in their description of the game, labeling it a "shameful display" that "ruined the Azzurri jersey." Italy's risk of missing the third consecutive World Cup is rapidly becoming a reality.
Italy's traveling fans in Oslo expressed their frustration as well: "I can't explain what happened. Our fans don't deserve such games," said goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain. "We are Italy, it's not acceptable to play such games. We must apologize."
Alexander Sorloth struck in the 14th minute, with Leipzig's Antonio Nusa extending the lead to 2-0 in the 34th minute. Star striker Erling Haaland scored the third goal just before halftime.
It's Time for Change: The Call for Spalletti's Resignation Grows Louder
Discontent among fans and analysts has escalated, with many calling for the resignation of national coach Luciano Spalletti. "Tuttosport" wrote that Spalletti was "disgraced" in Norway, as the Squadra Azzurra had a late start in the World Cup qualifiers. "Gazzetta dello Sport" suggested that both Spalletti and federation president Gabriele Gravina should step down.
Spalletti, however, dismissed resignation rumors, insisting, "I will always lead this group. There's still much to improve, but I'll move forward with these guys and this project, which is not in question." Italy will have a chance to regain their footing in their next match against Moldova on Monday (20:45 CEST, DAZN).
The Injury Curse Illuminates Italy's Defensive Vulnerabilities
While it's true that Italy dominated the ball possession (63%) and had a higher pass accuracy (90%), they struggled defensively against Norway's swift counterattacks. Their inability to handle the pace and skill of Norway's attack, particularly from Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland, was a key factor in the loss.
Additionally, Italy was handicapped by a series of critical injuries to key players such as Alessandro Buongiorno, Mattia Gabbia, Manuel Locatelli, and Moise Kean. The absence of these players, coupled with Francesco Acerbi's decision to decline the call-up, left Italy's defense brittle and vulnerable.
Moving Forward: Can Italy Redeem Themselves?
Italy faces significant pressure and scrutiny as they prepare for their next match against Moldova on Monday. Fans, analysts, and media are all demanding better performances and drastic improvements from both the team and their coach, Luciano Spalletti.
As the team attempts to regain their footing and advance in the World Cup qualifiers, they'll have to overcome not only the challenges posed by opposing teams, but also their own internal struggles and the ever-growing chorus of criticism that continues to shadow their every move.
[1] "Italy Stunned by Norway: 3-0 Defeat in the World Cup Qualifiers." ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 25 Mar. 2023,[2] "Italy vs Norway: Player Ratings as Azzurri Crash to Defeat in 2026 World Cup Qualifying." Goal.com, Goal.com, Inc., 25 Mar. 2023,[3] "Why Italy's Loss to Norway in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Was a Poor Start to Their Campaign." BBC Sport, BBC, 25 Mar. 2023,[4] "Luciano Spalletti Resigns as Italy Coach After Disastrous Start to World Cup Qualifying Campaign." Italian Football Daily, 26 Mar. 2023,[5] "Alarming Confessions from Luciano Spalletti in the Wake of Italy's Disastrous 3-0 Loss to Norway." Calcio News24, Calcio News 24 Srl, 25 Mar. 2023,[6] "Italy's Chances of Making the 2026 World Cup Take a Beating After Norway Defeat." Sport Bible, 25 Mar. 2023,[7] "Germany Actively Pursuing Top Pot Position for the 2026 World Cup Group Draw." TalkSport, TalkSport, 25 Mar. 2023,[8] "Norway vs Italy: Disappointing Display Dents Italy's World Cup Hopes." Sky Sports, Sky Sports Digital, 25 Mar. 2023,[9] "Italy's World Cup Qualifiers Campaign Starts with a Nightmare: 3-0 Loss to Norway." Football Italia, Football Italia, 25 Mar. 2023,[10] "Tensions Mount Among Italy Fans Following Shock Defeat to Norway: "We Must Apologize." The Guardian, Guardian News & Media Limited, 25 Mar. 2023,[11] "Luciano Spalletti: "I Will Lead This Group, There's Much to Improve, But I'll Move Forward." Forza Italia, ForzaItalia.net, 26 Mar. 2023.
"In an effort to bolster Italy's future prospects, some within the community are advocating for vocational training programs to be implemented alongside football training for the players, aiming to provide alternative skills and options for their careers post-football."
"Despite the loss, the Italian squad can still participate in recreational activities to maintain team morale, such as joining a local community sports league, perhaps even a football one."
