Italy’s World Cup Qualifying Struggles
The Italian national football team is facing intense scrutiny following a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Norway, marking a dismal kickoff to their World Cup qualifying journey. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma did not hold back in expressing his discontent with the team’s overall showing, calling their performance “not acceptable.”
The Weight of History
Italy has been sorely missing a World Cup appearance since 2014, which has been a source of national embarrassment, especially given their prestigious history of four World Cup titles. In Oslo, the team found themselves on the back foot early on, with first-half goals from Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and Erling Haaland putting them in a daunting position as they look to qualify for the tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
“I have no words,” said Donnarumma, who had just days earlier contributed to Paris Saint-Germain’s success in the Champions League. “We need to analyze tonight’s effort and realize that it is not what our supporters deserve. We have to reflect and come out of situations like this together. We need to summon our strength because we are Italy. Performances like this cannot continue; accountability is crucial. We must stand united like never before, it is vital.”
Path to Qualification
The road to qualification gives the top team in each group direct access to the finals, while runners-up must contend with a playoff format, putting Coach Luciano Spalletti and his squad under severe pressure right from the outset. The Italian team struggled throughout the match, frequently falling prey to a Norwegian side that excelled in counterattacks, clearly outmatched under the rain at Ullevaal Stadium.
In a post-match statement, Spalletti called for greater enthusiasm from his players, stressing the need for improvement on an individual level. “This is not reflective of who we are; in terms of individual talent, we can achieve more, yet this period poses considerable challenges for us. Some events have contributed to our current state, but I will stand by the squad I have selected, and we will move forward.”
Concerns Over the Future
When pressed about his future as the head coach of the national team, Spalletti acknowledged that he would soon need to have candid discussions with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) regarding the team’s direction.
“I must dialogue with President [Gabriele] Gravina about their stance and the decisions I will be making,” he remarked.
Considering their defensive frailties, including failing to uphold an offside line and a lack of urgency in tracking opposing players, Spalletti expressed concern over the team’s confidence levels.
“Quality alone does not suffice if we can’t implement the fundamentals of the game,” he pointed out.
A Shadow Over Qualification Aspirations
As Italy grapples with the reality of their current standing in the group—especially after such a heavy defeat to a Norway side that has won all their matches so far—Spalletti admitted that doubts about qualifying for the World Cup already loom large.
“There are always concerns after a display like this, and we must confront these issues head-on, as there are no alternative paths forward,” he concluded.
