Locatelli: ‘Italy are too fragile, we can and must do better’ | OneFootball

Manuel Locatelli admits Italy were ‘fragile’ when crumbling 4-1 to Norway and ‘this must not be our level, we can and must do better’ in the World Cup play-offs.

The result was ultimately not going to count for Group I, because anything less than a 9-0 victory wouldn’t be able to overturn the massive gap in goal difference.

It was nonetheless important to keep the winning streak going and take sporting revenge for the 3-0 defeat in Oslo that saw Luciano Spalletti sacked in June.

Francesco Pio Esposito’s goal had marked a dominant first half, but the second was a totally different story, as Norway ran out 4-1 winners with an Erling Haaland brace, Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen goals.

Locatelli acknowledges Italy weaknesses

MILAN – NOVEMBER 16: Pio Esposito of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Our qualification was compromised in Oslo, but today we should’ve done better,” Locatelli told Sky Sport Italia.

“We tried to score the second goal, but then were fragile and this must not happen again. We’ve got to see where we got it wrong, as in certain moments we need to stay more united.”

They therefore will go into the World Cup play-offs, with the semi-final on March 26 and hopefully the final on March 31.

The draw to see who they will face will be performed on November 20.

MILAN – NOVEMBER 16: Players of Italy pose for a team photograph prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“Now we’ll wait for the draw and hope to arrive in March with a very different attitude,” added Locatelli.

“Norway are of a very high level, but we still should’ve done better. We have to take responsibility and do better in March.”

Is this just Italy’s level, second best to Norway?

“It must not be our level. We can and must do better.”