World Cup qualifiers leave Italy in shock following dismal football performance
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Italy's unexpected loss against Norway has shaken the confidence of the Italian football team. This stunning 0:3 defeat, with Erling Haaland scoring a hat-trick, has escalated criticism and increased pressure on the Italian squad and its coach, Luciano Spalletti.
The humbling defeat in Norway has left both the team and its fans searching for answers. "Gazzetta dello Sport" bluntly described Italy's performance as a "humiliating display," further adding that the risk of missing the third consecutive World Cup is now "real." The Italian goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, could not help but express his disappointment and frustration stating, "We are Italy, it's not acceptable to play like this. We must apologize."
Alexander Sorloth, former Leipzig player, who scored against Donnarumma in the 14th minute, followed by Antonio Nusa's powerful shot into the top corner in the 26th minute, left the overwhelmed Italian defense in disarray. Erling Haaland completed his hat-trick just before halftime, leaving the Italian defense no chance to regroup. "Night of the Apocalypse" and "Twilight of the Gods" echoed through the stands of Oslo, with "Gazzetta dello Sport" condemning the coach for his questionable tactics.
A Call for Reinvention
The backlash was immediate and intense, with fans targeting Spalletti after the final whistle. Some even called for his resignation, despite his insistence on remaining the coach, asserting, "I will always lead this group. There's still a lot to improve, but I'm moving forward with these guys and this project, which is not up for debate."
Meanwhile, Norway's victory has increased the chances of the German national team to be in the top pot during the group draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the result in itself does not directly affect the German team's qualification prospects, as the two teams are in separate groups. While the German team currently ranks 10th in the world, they have the opportunity to reduce the gap with Italy in Sunday's Nations League third-place playoff against France, if they can secure a win.
In the future, Italy must address their glaring weaknesses and strive to reclaim their past glory on the international stage. It is a long road ahead, but they must remain determined and work tirelessly to restore their reputation as a formidable footballing powerhouse.
Source: ntv.de, tno/dpa/sid
Additional Insights:
- In Group I, Norway now sits on top with three wins and a perfect nine points, while Italy is at the bottom, having played just one match, with zero points and a negative goal difference.
- Despite the loss, Italy still holds the ninth spot in the FIFA World Rankings, as of the time of the article's publication.
- If Italy continues to falter and Norway maintains their impressive form, their respective rankings could shift, potentially impacting the seeding for the World Cup group draw. However, this is speculative and depends on multiple factors.
The Italian community is seeking immediate changes in the team's policy following the disappointing display against Norway, with many calling for improved vocational training in football to enhance sports-analysis and strategic tactics. Amid the backlash, players are being encouraged to undergo vocational training in sports, including football, to better understand and adapt to the challenges on the field.
