Italy expected to transform against Norway with 3-5-2 and Calafiori doubt | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso is set to transform his Italy side to face Norway on Sunday, returning to the 3-5-2 formation, as Riccardo Calafiori is the only major doubt.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.

This is the final game in Group I, but even if the Azzurri were to win their seventh game out of a total eight, it wouldn’t be enough to take top spot.

That’s because Norway have such an extraordinary goal different, it would require a 9-0 victory to turn this around.

Italy ready for big changes in final group game

BERGAMO – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

With that in mind, Gattuso has already said he will rest Sandro Tonali, in order to avoid the risk of him picking up a yellow card and suspension for the World Cup play-off semi-final in March 2026.

After using the 4-4-2 formation in the 2-0 victory away to Moldova on Thursday, Gattuso should also return to the 3-5-2 system.

The major doubt is around Arsenal defender Calafiori, who was already out against Moldova with a hip issue and is still not back in full training today.

Francesco Pio Esposito scores for Italy against Moldova in the 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri)

Having scored off the bench in Chisinau, Francesco Pio Esposito could step into the starting XI alongside Mateo Retegui.

Nicolò Barella was suspended against Moldova, but still wanted to be in the squad and sat in the stands to watch.

Italy probable (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Frattesi, Dimarco; Retegui, Pio Esposito