Stadio Giuseppe Meazza forms the backdrop for Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying Group I top-table six-pointer between Italy and Norway. Only a miracle would see the Azzurri leapfrog the Scandinavian country at the top of the section despite their unstoppable form under new coach Gennaro Gattuso.
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Late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito propelled Italy to a 2-0 win at Moldova in the penultimate qualifying round. It also marked their fifth win in as many matches under Gattuso, maintaining a feel-good factor around the national team amid Italy’s pursuit of their first World Cup qualification in over a decade.
Italy last appeared in the finals in 2014, and missing out on a third consecutive tournament would be a disaster of epic proportions for the four-time world champions. However, the home side’s hopes of reaching next summer’s competition will, in all likelihood, come down to a playoff, with every decision on and off the ball under intense scrutiny.
With the pressure at an all-time high, even the most seasoned analysts are breaking down every tactical nuance of this showdown – the kind of in-depth assessment you’d expect from resources like https://edubirdie.com/ when trying to grasp Italy’s uphill battle.
High-flying Azzurri
The Italians have locked down a playoff berth with two games to spare. Yet after failing to navigate their last two World Cup playoff ties, they are desperate to pull off something unheard of this weekend. Indeed, Gattuso’s men need an insane nine-goal margin victory to overtake Norway at the top of the standings.
Although that’s a highly improbable feat, Italy can realistically hope to avenge a dreadful 3-0 defeat in the reverse fixture. Gattuso has renewed confidence inside the dressing room, becoming only the third Azzurri manager to commence his tenure with five consecutive victories. Notably, each win saw Italy score at least two goals, averaging 3.6 per game.
Furthermore, they’ve bagged at least three goals in four of their five outings under Gattuso. In addition to unlocking his side’s scoring potential, the former Milan midfielder has managed to address Italy’s defensive woes. For context, the Italians have kept a clean sheet in three successive home internationals since a Nations League defeat to Germany in March (W3).
Unstoppable Norwegians
Barring a once-in-a-lifetime wonder, Norway should secure automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament. On the verge of their first World Cup appearance since 1998, Stale Solbakken’s men erupted into wild celebrations after demolishing Estonia 4-1 at home last time out, preserving their 100% record in Group I.
Indeed, the Norwegians have won all seven qualifying matches during the ongoing cycle, netting an eye-catching 33 goals while conceding just four in return. The visitors have been particularly outstanding on the road, winning their last four away internationals whilst netting 4+ goals in three of them.
Norway will now be out to prove the abovementioned triumph in the reverse fixture wasn’t just a one-off. It marked their first win over Italy since 2000 (D1, L3), perhaps best illustrating the magnitude of the task awaiting the Scandinavians here. However, they can draw confidence from their formidable scoring form.
Solbakken’s lads have scored 3+ goals in eight of their last nine competitive games, with Erling Haaland arriving at San Siro amid a purple patch. The Manchester City superstar has amassed a jaw-dropping 14 goals in this qualifying campaign.
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