Italy lost to Norway, Spalletti is at risk of being fired

“The defeat is unacceptable. We are Italy , we cannot play matches like this,” goalkeeper Gigio Donnarumma said about the 0-3 loss to Norway.

EPA - ANSA - Norway Italy.jpg — Donnarumma conceded three goals in the first half. Photo: EPA-ANSA

Under heavy rain in Oslo, Italy started the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the worst possible way.

“I cannot explain what happened,” continued Donnarumma, PSG's Champions League hero.

The Italian captain stressed: "Our fans do not deserve to witness such a match."

Italy conceded three goals in the first half. This result leaves the Azzurri nine points behind Norway , who have won all three matches.

What happened made the Italian press pessimistic, worried about the risk of not being able to attend the World Cup for the third consecutive time, after being spectators in 2018 and 2022.

“We made mistakes,” explained coach Luciano Spalletti, blaming his team for playing poorly and making mistakes.

“The first goal was completely avoidable, coming from a phase we controlled, when we should have chosen a simpler solution.”

IPA - Italian Norway.jpg — Italy had a disastrous match. Photo: IPA

Spalletti continued: “Then, when we went behind, it became a lot more difficult.

We lost the ball too much, instead of using the wing combinations, we tried to deal with it complicatedly .

Once considered masters of defense, Italy now opens up the goal for Erling Haaland and his teammates to finish.

Many questions were raised with Spalletti , who was at risk of being fired. “I will continue with the team,” he declared.

“We know we need to improve in a lot of areas, and we have to work a lot to achieve that.

I don't feel lonely, and even if I do, I am responsible. I don't need anyone's pity. For this group, this is the best option."

ANSA - Spalletti Norway Italia.jpg — Spalletti is at risk of being fired. Photo: ANSA

The Italian press has lost faith in the former Napoli coach, who impressively won the 2023 Scudetto.

“There needs to be immediate radical changes on the technical bench,” commented Gazzetta dello Sport.

Spalletti had a disastrous EURO 2024 when he was eliminated from the group stage, lost in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals, and now the nightmare called Norway.

“The Italy we saw in Oslo was a disgrace , with the worst of the worst problems,” wrote Gazzetta. “The team was overwhelmed . Spalletti seemed to have reached his technical limit, full of confusion . ”