Italy couldn’t have imagined a worse option to start their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying marketing campaign as Norway thrashed them 3-0 in Oslo. A one-sided first half on the Ullevaal Stadium noticed the rising Scandinavian superpower set the tone for his or her first win over the Italians since 2000.
On account of their UEFA Nations League duties, Italy didn’t characteristic in World Cup qualifiers in March. After failing to safe a berth on the most prestigious worldwide match within the final two editions, the stress was on Gli Azzurri to begin on the entrance foot.
Nonetheless, it was fairly the other. Buoyed by a brace of multi-goal margin wins over Moldova and Israel, Norway got here flying out of the traps. Certainly, Alexander Sorloth put Stale Solbakken’s facet in entrance after solely 14 minutes.
Norway doubled their lead 20 minutes later by means of Antonio Nusa, whereas Manchester Metropolis celebrity Erling Haaland sealed Italy’s destiny getting ready to halftime. A 3-0 deficit proved unattainable for Italy, whose underwhelming winless streak in all competitions now stands at 4 matches.
With out additional ado, let’s take a look at our Italy participant rankings.
Italy (3-5-1-1)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 3/10
Merely a shadow of the very best Champions League goalkeeper for 2024/25, the Italy captain conceded from three out of Norway’s 4 photographs on the right track. It’s honest to say that his defenders additionally let him down.
Alessandro Bastoni – 3/10
The Inter Milan star’s vital dip in kind got here to the fore in Oslo as he struggled to deal with Haaland’s runs behind the traces and Sorloth’s aerial power.
Diego Coppola – 6/10
Spalletti’s gamble didn’t repay, but Coppola was arguably Italy’s best-performing defender tonight. Nonetheless, a lack of knowledge along with his defensive colleagues was evident.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 3/10
Nonetheless hungover after Napoli’s Scudetto win, the Partenopei right-back had an terrible night. Deployed without any consideration center-half, Di Lorenzo was among the many worst on the pitch.
Future Udogie – 4/10
Although Haaland gave him a slip for the third purpose, the Tottenham Hotspur left-back had some brilliant moments, particularly within the opposition’s half. Not almost sufficient, although!
Sandro Tonali – 5/10
He was imagined to be Italy’s driving drive within the midfielder, however the Newcastle United talisman noticed only a few issues go his manner. His set-piece delivers usually led to nothing.
Nicolo Rovella – 4/10
Regardless of leaving his coronary heart and soul on the pitch, his defensive contribution wasn’t vital sufficient to disguise his disheartening efficiency within the build-up play.
Nicolo Barella – 5/10
Seemingly out of steam after Inter’s lengthy season, the diminutive midfielder confirmed flashes of sophistication however lacked his ordinary sharpness and drive.
Davide Zappacosta – 4/10
Atalanta’s wingback was largely ineffective on each ends of the pitch. He provided little going ahead, not often troubling the opposition along with his crosses and was too usually caught out of place defensively
Giacomo Raspadori – 2/10
A near-anonymous displaying from the Scudetto winner! His passing was often sloppy, and he struggled to impose himself in key moments.
Mateo Retegui – 3/10
Lower off from the remainder of the pack, Serie A’s high goalscorer was an idle risk. He was by no means ready to place Orjan Nyland to the check and would need to overlook this fixture in a rush.
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