Italy 1-4 Norway – Inter Milan Delivers Verdict On Dreadful FIFA World Cup Qualifying Loss: “Wouldn’t Call It Humiliation, They Didn’t Batter Us” | OneFootball

Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi delivered his verdict on last night’s 2026 World Cup qualifying match between Italy and Norway.

Speaking to the press after the game via FCInter1908, the 26-year-old assessed the Azzurri’s performance in a shock 4-1 home loss.

Italy needed a miracle to leapfrog Norway at the top of qualifying Group I.

Despite winning all five matches under Gennaro Gattuso, the four-time world champions faced a formidable task.

Indeed, nothing short of a nine-goal margin win would have been enough for Italy to claim first place in their qualifying section.

However, Francesco Pio Esposito inspired his side to a perfect start, opening the scoring in the 11th minute with his third senior goal for the Azzurri.

Little did anyone at San Siro know it would serve as a mere consolation, as Norway trounced Gattuso’s team in the second half.

Led by Erling Haaland, Stale Solbakken’s charges scored four unanswered goals beyond halftime to protect their 100% record in Group I.

Davide Frattesi Delivers Verdict on Italy 1-4 Norway Loss

FLORENCE, ITALY – FEBRUARY 6: Davide Frattesi of FC Internazionale looks dejected during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Stadio Artemio Franchi on February 6, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

“It was two games in one,” Frattesi said after the match. “In the first half, there was only one team on the pitch; in the second half, we showed that we are a bit fragile.

“After the first goal, we fell apart. The group stage is over, and we have to focus only on the March playoffs.”

Asked whether there was a mental issue, Frattesi replied: “Maybe it was a result of always being a bit on the back foot in the group.

“We knew that, with the goal difference, we wouldn’t be coming into tonight’s match with a good chance to qualify.

“Once we realized it wasn’t possible, it’s not easy mentally.”

Finally, he tried to explain Italy’s collapse, insisting Norway didn’t humiliate them on their home turf.

“Explaining a 4-1 result is difficult, but I wouldn’t call it humiliation,” he added. “They didn’t completely dominate us.

“At least, that’s how it felt to me on the pitch. They proved they deserved to win the group, so calling it humiliation is an exaggeration.”