World Cup 2026: Italy’s Gattuso Calls 9-0 Win Over Norway Unbelievable

Gennaro Gattuso, the head coach of Italy, spoke candidly about the challenges his team faces as they aim for a spot in the World Cup 2026. The upcoming match against Norway is critical for Italy, who currently sits second in their qualifying group with 18 points, trailing Norway by three. Gattuso described the prospect of winning against Norway by nine goals—necessary for direct qualification—as “unbelievable.”

Italy’s Position and Challenges

Italy’s current standing in Group I places them in a precarious situation. Despite their ambition, even a victory over Norway would not guarantee them a top position due to a significant difference in goal statistics.

• Italy is second in Group I with 18 points.
• Norway leads the group with 21 points and a goal difference of +29.
• Italy’s goal difference stands at +12.

Previous Matches and Tactical Insights

The last encounter between Italy and Norway ended in a 3-0 defeat for Italy back in June. That loss resulted in significant changes within the Italian team, including the termination of former coach Luciano Spalletti. Gattuso emphasized the importance of the upcoming match for assessing the team’s mental strength and tactical readiness.

“This match will help us understand where we are,” Gattuso stated. He noted the physical power and speed of the Norwegian team and pointed out their ability to capitalize on mistakes.

Injury Updates and Strategic Focus

In preparation for the match, Italy will be missing key players. Defender Riccardo Calafiori will not participate due to muscle issues, and midfielder Sandro Tonali faces potential suspension risks.

Looking ahead, Gattuso aims to approach the future World Cup playoffs, scheduled for late March, with confidence. He stressed the importance of mental strength, saying, “We must not fear because fear can paralyze us.”

Ultimately, Gattuso and his players will strive to build on their recent successes and aim for a remarkable performance that could alter their fate in the World Cup qualifiers.