Match preview for Norway v Italy
Norway and Italy sq. off in an important World Cup qualifier on Friday night, with either side seeking to strengthen their path to the 2026 event in North America.
The stakes are significantly excessive for the Italians, who’re determined to keep away from a 3rd straight failure to qualify for soccer’s greatest stage.
The hosts, Norway, come into the conflict in glorious type, having gained each of their opening group matches.
Victories over Moldova and Israel have given them a three-point cushion on the high of the group.
Italy, in the meantime, are solely now starting their marketing campaign, having been concerned within the Nations League earlier within the 12 months.
After a turbulent run of outcomes that included a heavy first-half collapse towards Germany and an early Euro 2024 exit, stress is mounting on supervisor Luciano Spalletti to get the Azzurri again on monitor.
With residence benefit and stars similar to Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard on the pitch, Norway can be assured of taking one other main step towards qualification.
However Italy, regardless of plenty of absentees, nonetheless carry sufficient qualify that would see them spoil the occasion in Oslo.
Off we go to Oslo! ✈️#NORITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/4QUE7S71aN
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 5, 2025
Crew information for Norway v Italy
Norway supervisor Stale Solbakken has a full-strength squad accessible, and can seemingly follow the identical core group that earned two convincing wins to begin their qualifying marketing campaign.
Erling Haaland leads the road after scoring in each matches, whereas Martin Odegaard continues to orchestrate play from midfield. Alexander Sørloth is predicted to accomplice Haaland up entrance, with Sander Berge and Patrick Berg anchoring the midfield.
Italy are coping with a number of key absences. Midfielder Manuel Locatelli is sidelined with an ankle harm, and defensive choices have been thinned by the withdrawals of Alessandro Buongiorno, Matteo Gabbia and Moise Kean.
Veteran Francesco Acerbi has opted out of the squad, citing private causes after tensions with the supervisor. Daniele Rugani has been known as as much as assist fill the gaps on the again.
With these limitations, Spalletti is more likely to depend on a makeshift again three, supported by midfielders similar to Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali.
Up entrance, Giacomo Raspadori is in type, whereas Mateo Retegui additionally provides a objective menace after ending as Serie A’s high scorer.
Kean has left the coaching camp.
The striker is unavailable for our upcoming video games attributable to a muscle downside he picked up in yesterday’s session. He has returned to his membership for therapy.#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/Z9xjzEWhQo
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 5, 2025
Anticipated line-ups for Norway v Italy
Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Schjelderup; Sorloth, Haaland
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Gatti, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Retegui
Find out how to watch Norway v Italy: TV channel, on-line stream
The match between Norway and Italy can be broadcast dwell on main sports activities networks throughout Europe.
Within the UK, protection is offered on Amazon Prime Video.
The stats for Norway v Italy
- Final assembly: Italy 2-1 Norway (Euro 2016 qualifying)
- Head-to-head this century: 4 conferences – 3 wins for Italy, 1 draw
- Norway’s final World Cup look: 1998
- Italy’s final World Cup look: 2014
- Prime scorer in qualification up to now: Erling Haaland (Norway) – 2 objectives
- Italy’s type: DWWLLD
- Norway’s type: WLWWWW
Prediction
Norway could have the sting on this one attributable to plenty of components.
Their lacking stars will seemingly play a key function and Norway are driving excessive on momentum thanks to 2 wins of their openers.
The Azzurri will battle, however Norway the extra beneficial to take all three factors on this qualifier.
Prediction: Norway 3-1 Italy