Norway vs Italy

Italy’s Redemption Quest Begins in Norway After Years of World Cup Heartbreak

Italy carries the weight of past failures into Friday’s clash with Norway, launching yet another bid to end their 12-year World Cup exile. The Azzurri, haunted by back-to-back qualifying disasters, now face an uphill battle in Oslo—trailing their hosts by six points in the race for automatic qualification.

Norway, flawless so far with two wins from two, sit comfortably atop Group I. A dominant 5-0 opener against Moldova and a gritty 4-2 win over Israel in Hungary have put Ståle Solbakken’s men in the driver’s seat. With Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard leading a resurgent "golden generation," Norway dreams of ending its own 26-year World Cup drought—last appearing in 1998.

But history favors Italy. The Azzurri haven’t lost to Norway this century, boasting three wins and a draw in their last four qualifiers—including a 2-0 victory in their last visit to Oslo in 2013. Yet this time, anything less than a result could spell disaster. A Norwegian win would widen the gap, leaving Italy staring at another playoff minefield—a path that’s burned them twice before.

Since their humiliating group-stage exit at Brazil 2014, Italy’s World Cup story has been one of agony. Shock misses in 2018 and 2022—sandwiched around Euro 2020 glory—left fans questioning their mentality under pressure. Now, under Luciano Spalletti, patience is thin after a Euro 2024 last-16 exit and a chaotic Nations League collapse against Germany (3-3 after being 3-0 down).

With so much at stake, Friday’s match isn’t just another qualifier—it’s a test of Italy’s nerve. For Norway, it’s a chance to prove their hype is real. The stage is set: Ullevaal Stadion, under the Nordic twilight, where World Cup dreams either ignite or shatter.