Italy's 4-1 defeat to Norway at home reignited the national team's crisis in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
The result forces the team to compete for a spot through the playoffs and was treated by the Italian press as a humiliation. The setback comes at a time of intense pressure on the team, which has not participated in a World Cup since 2014.
The match was seen as a chance for a comeback after the previous 3-0 defeat in Norway. The game at the San Siro started with positive expectations after Pio Espósito's goal. The initial advantage, however, was short-lived. The team lost intensity, failed to adjust its defensive system, and showed difficulty in reacting to the pace imposed by the opponent.
Eurosport assessed that the match turned into a nightmare and frustrated Italy's attempt to regain confidence. The analysis highlights tactical errors and emotional instability. The combination of these factors amplified the atmosphere of discouragement among fans and commentators.
The Corriere della Sera wrote that “we didn’t even have the luxury of a mixture of regret and revenge. The hard work of the playoffs awaits Italy. 130 days to go before the games.”
Another news outlet also criticized the team's stance. Il Fatto Quotidiano He stated that “the result was clearly impossible, as Gattuso said. But there’s a big difference between not scoring nine goals and conceding four at home, in front of 70 fans. Italy lost their final qualifying match in a regrettable way.”
And in another article, the newspaper wrote: “Stop complaining about the rules, Italy doesn’t deserve to go to the World Cup any more than Congo or Curaçao.”
Recent history of frustrations
Italy hasn't competed in a World Cup for over ten years. Their elimination in the group stage in 2014 marked the beginning of a negative streak that repeated itself in the following two editions. In the most recent qualifiers, the team faltered again in crucial moments and was relegated to the playoffs, a situation that worries experts and fuels criticism from former players.
The path to the repechage.
The play-offs will be contested by the runners-up from the 12 European groups. The matchups will be determined in approximately 130 days and will pit Italy against opponents vying for the last available spot. Coach Gennaro Gattuso will have to reorganize the squad and correct recurring flaws in decisive matches.
The situation for Italy is challenging. The team needs to regain confidence, adjust its tactical system, and return to competitiveness before the knockout matches. Recent performances show the need for solid preparation to avoid another failure and secure a place in the World Cup.
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