Worst Nightmare Haunts Italy's Moves

OSLO, SATURDAY - Italy began its quest for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup very poorly. The "Azzurri" were embarrassed by the host Norway, losing 0-3 at Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo, on Saturday (7/6/2025) early morning WIB. This defeat revived Italy's worst nightmare of having missed two consecutive editions of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

Thanks to Italy's additional three points, Norway strengthened its lead at the top of Group I of the European World Cup qualifiers with nine points, the result of three wins. Meanwhile, Italy, who have only played one match, are languishing in fourth place without collecting a single point. There are five countries competing for one automatic ticket. Meanwhile, the runner-up still has a chance to appear in the World Cup by participating in the next round.

The crushing defeat against Norway is certainly not the end for Italy. The team coached by Luciano Spalletti still has seven matches left to play. However, starting the qualifying campaign with a loss is not a good sign. Moreover, the defeat will significantly affect the players' confidence. Especially considering Italy's poor experience of failing to qualify for the World Cup in the previous two editions.

"There is always concern, because after a performance like that, you clearly have to ask yourself and realize there is a problem. However, you must face it, as there is no other possibility," said Spalletti as quoted by Football Italia.

Playing in front of their supporters, the Norwegian players, reinforced by Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Alexander Sorloth, and Antonio Nusa, immediately made an impact from the start. Utilizing a 4-3-3 formation, Norway's attacking trio consisting of Sorloth, Haaland, and Nusa aggressively pressured the Italian defenders in their attempts to build attacks from the back.

The four Norwegian defenders, led by Kristoffer Ajer, are also adept at reading the direction of attacks. The first goal for Norway, scored by Sorloth, originated from David Wolve's skill in intercepting a long pass from Alessandro Bastoni. In an instant, Italy found themselves under pressure. The speed and precision of Nusa in delivering the ball into open space allowed Sorloth to maneuver easily and score in the 14th minute.

Italy did not react immediately after falling behind. Nusa was able to double Norway's advantage in the 34th minute due to a mistake by the Italian defender in anticipating the aerial ball. Haaland extended his team's lead to 3-0 after successfully deceiving goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma three minutes before the end of the first half.

The three-defender system implemented by Spalletti did not function smoothly and was easily penetrated by the Norwegian attacking trident. Donnarumma, who was difficult to conquer while winning the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, suddenly faltered. The Italian defenders were too easily exposed and lured away from their positions.

"I cannot say anything. We need to pay attention to our performance tonight and improve it. Our fans do not deserve this. We need to examine our conscience, we need to come out of these nights together. We must find strength because we are Italy. Matches like this are unacceptable, everyone must take responsibility. We need to be more united than ever," said Donnarumma.

This match also marks a low point for Italy. For the first time, Italy conceded three goals in the opening match of the World Cup qualifiers. There was no significant resistance from the "Azzurri." The players seemed to have lost their enthusiasm. Despite dominating possession with 62 percent, Italy could only manage six shots, with just one on target.

The condition is different from Norway which is much more effective. Although only controlling 38 percent of the ball, Haaland and his teammates were able to present more threats. There were four shots on target at Donnarruma's goal and only one failed to be converted into a goal. Norway recorded an expected goal (xG) value of 1.63 but was able to score three goals.

Undoubtedly, this result has sparked discourse regarding Spalletti's future. The former Napoli coach is said to be under significant pressure after failing to secure a single victory for Italy in 2025. Throughout this year, Italy has played three matches, resulting in two losses and one draw.

Spalletti admitted that he will speak with the President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Gabriele Gravina regarding the continuation of his career. "He (Gravina) gave me the opportunity to be the national team coach, and I will always be grateful to him for that. However, he can then do whatever he wants. Look, now I have to think about the next match, and then I will talk to Gravina," he stated.

Spalletti was appointed to replace Roberto Mancini in 2023. So far, his successful track record as a coach, having led Napoli to win the Serie A two seasons ago, has yet to be proven with the national team. In the 2024 European Championship, he could only take Italy to the round of 16 before ultimately losing to Switzerland.

His leadership has been questioned as several players feel incompatible with his coaching style. One of them is Inter Milan defender Francesco Acerbi, who recently declined a call-up to the national team. In an interview, Acerbi openly admitted to being dissatisfied with Spalletti's coaching methods.

"Considering the recent events, there is currently no peace to continue this journey. I am not looking for excuses; I demand respect. And if this respect is not present from those who are supposed to lead the group, then I would prefer to step back," said Acerbi. (REUTERS)