Match preview for Norway v Italy
Norway and Italy square off in a crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday evening, with both sides looking to strengthen their path to the 2026 tournament in North America.
The stakes are particularly high for the Italians, who are desperate to avoid a third straight failure to qualify for football’s biggest stage.
The hosts, Norway, come into the clash in excellent form, having won both of their opening group matches.
Victories over Moldova and Israel have given them a three-point cushion at the top of the group.
Italy, meanwhile, are only now beginning their campaign, having been involved in the Nations League earlier in the year.
After a turbulent run of results that included a heavy first-half collapse against Germany and an early Euro 2024 exit, pressure is mounting on manager Luciano Spalletti to get the Azzurri back on track.
With home advantage and stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard on the pitch, Norway will be confident of taking another major step toward qualification.
But Italy, despite a number of absentees, still carry enough qualify that could see them spoil the party in Oslo.
Off we go to Oslo! ✈️#NORITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/4QUE7S71aN
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 5, 2025
Team news for Norway v Italy
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has a full-strength squad available, and will likely stick with the same core group that earned two convincing wins to start their qualifying campaign.
Erling Haaland leads the line after scoring in both matches, while Martin Odegaard continues to orchestrate play from midfield. Alexander Sørloth is expected to partner Haaland up front, with Sander Berge and Patrick Berg anchoring the midfield.
Italy are dealing with several key absences. Midfielder Manuel Locatelli is sidelined with an ankle injury, and defensive options have been thinned by the withdrawals of Alessandro Buongiorno, Matteo Gabbia and Moise Kean.
Veteran Francesco Acerbi has opted out of the squad, citing personal reasons after tensions with the manager. Daniele Rugani has been called up to help fill the gaps at the back.
With these limitations, Spalletti is likely to rely on a makeshift back three, supported by midfielders such as Nicolo Barella and Sandro Tonali.
Up front, Giacomo Raspadori is in form, while Mateo Retegui also offers a goal threat after finishing as Serie A’s top scorer.
Kean has left the training camp.
The striker is unavailable for our upcoming games due to a muscle problem he picked up in yesterday’s session. He has returned to his club for treatment.#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/Z9xjzEWhQo
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 5, 2025
Expected line-ups for Norway v Italy
Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Schjelderup; Sorloth, Haaland
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Gatti, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Retegui
How to watch Norway v Italy: TV channel, online stream
The match between Norway and Italy will be broadcast live on major sports networks across Europe.
In the UK, coverage is available on Amazon Prime Video.
The stats for Norway v Italy
Last meeting: Italy 2-1 Norway (Euro 2016 qualifying)Head-to-head this century: 4 meetings – 3 wins for Italy, 1 drawNorway’s last World Cup appearance: 1998Italy’s last World Cup appearance: 2014Top scorer in qualification so far: Erling Haaland (Norway) – 2 goalsItaly’s form: DWWLLDNorway’s form: WLWWWW
Prediction
Norway may have the edge in this one due to a number of factors.
Their missing stars will likely play a key role and Norway are riding high on momentum thanks to two wins in their openers.
The Azzurri will fight, but Norway the more favourable to take all three points in this qualifier.
Prediction: Norway 3-1 Italy
