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Pre-match review
Norway are in a formidable position in Group I with six points from two matches. Under coach Ståle Solbakken, they started their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with two impressive wins: a 5-0 thrashing of Moldova and a 4-2 win over Israel on neutral ground.
With five teams in this group, the top spot - which means a direct ticket to the World Cup - is within reach of the Nordic team.
Norwegian football is possessing the most potential generation in history. With two bright stars, Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, they are not only aiming for their first World Cup ticket since 1998, but also want to assert themselves as a formidable name on the European football map. Having been promoted to the highest level of the Nations League is also an important psychological and class support.
Meanwhile, Italy entered the World Cup qualifying campaign late, having reached the quarter-finals of the Nations League. In contrast to Norway's progress, Italy entered this match with much scepticism. The Azzurri have not featured at the last two World Cups in 2018 and 2022, despite winning Euro 2020.
Under the new reign of coach Luciano Spalletti, they showed signs of improvement but were not really stable when they reached the round of 16 of Euro 2024, then were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Nations League in a dramatic and unstable match against Germany (draw 3-3 after being down 0-3).
The last time Italy visited Oslo was in 2014, when they won 2-0 in a Euro 2016 qualifier. But times have changed. Norway are no longer underdogs, but are now equal opponents, even slightly better in terms of form and current cohesion.
If they fail at Ullevaal, Italy will be in real danger as the door to the 2026 World Cup officially closes, forcing them into a risky play-off series, which gave them nightmares in 2022.
Italy carry great ambitions. And Ullevaal tomorrow morning could be the start of a historic comeback or another dark chapter in the Azzurri's long-running tragedy.
Form, head-to-head history
In the last 6 matches in all competitions, Norway won 5 and lost 1, while Italy won 2, drew 2 and lost 2.
Norway know that another win in Oslo will help them make a strong breakthrough ahead of their clash with their direct rivals in the race for the top spot. However, their record against Italy does not favour them.
Including the most recent meeting in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, the two teams have met four times in major tournament qualifiers, with Italy winning three and drawing one.
Force situation
Norway have the strongest squad. Meanwhile, Italy face a completely opposite situation, with their squad severely depleted by injuries and withdrawals. They are without the services of Manuel Locatelli, Francesco Acerbi, Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno and Matteo Gabbia.
Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Schjelderup; Sorloth, Haaland
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Gatti, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Kean
Score prediction: Norway 2-1 Italy
Source: https://tienphong.vn/nhan-dinh-na-uy-vs-italia-01h45-ngay-76-khoi-dau-giac-mo-post1748921.tpo
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