Italy v Norway, probable line-ups: Donnarumma returns, Esposito starts | OneFootball

This evening marks the end of the qualification group for the 2026 World Cup. The Azzurri have not qualified since 2014, which in fact was the last World Cup in which Italy took part. Gattuso’s boys will face Solbakken’s Norway, who are three points ahead of the Italians and buoyed by their victory in the first leg. The Scandinavians, compared to the Azzurri, can also count on a much higher goal difference, which allows Haaland and his teammates to be practically certain of first place.

The probable line-ups for Italy and Norway

This evening will see the final matchday of Group I in the qualification round for the next World Cup. Gattuso’s Italy will face Solbakken’s Norway: a match with little at stake, as regardless of the result, the Scandinavians are practically assured of a qualification that has eluded them for 27 years, driven by a superb Erling Haaland. In fact, the Norwegians can rely on their victory over the Azzurri in the first leg, which was Spalletti’s last game as manager of the national team.

Among the Azzurri, Donnarumma returns as starter after missing the match against Moldova in favor of Vicario. In the absence of Calafiori, with Di Lorenzo and Bastoni, there is a battle between Buongiorno and Mancini, with the latter ahead of the Napoli defender. On the wings will be Politano and Dimarco, with Barella and Frattesi alongside Locatelli in midfield. In attack, with Kean absent, Pio Esposito—who scored against Moldova—will join Retegui up front.

ITALY (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Mancini; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Frattesi, Dimarco; Retegui, Pio Esposito. Coach: Gattuso

NORWAY (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Bobb, Berge, Berg, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland. Coach: Solbakken

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.