Di Lorenzo: ‘Italy can learn’ from 4-1 defeat to Norway | OneFootball

Giovanni Di Lorenzo insists Italy ‘can learn’ from their 4-1 defeat to Norway when going into the World Cup play-offs in March.

It was already known before stepping onto the pitch at San Siro that nothing short of a 9-0 win would do to top the group, as Norway had such a huge advantage in terms of goal difference.

However, the team wanted to prove it was different to the side that lost 3-0 in Oslo back in June under Luciano Spalletti, and go into the World Cup play-offs with a winning streak.

Di Lorenzo admits to Italy faults

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)

“We started the first half so well, but perhaps our attitude was wrong and we got a bit too relaxed in the second half, allowing Norway to emerge,” Di Lorenzo told RAI Sport and Sky Sport Italia.

“I hope we can learn from this for March, because that is when there is so much at stake and we need a very different performance.”

Norway won every single game in Group I with 37 goals scored and five conceded.

“We have to congratulate Norway for their group performance, we now have this break and must be ready for March. In these two or three months we have seen a different spirit that the coach has helped with,” continued Di Lorenzo.

“We’ve got to play differently and be ready, because the World Cup is at stake.”

MILAN – NOVEMBER 16: Players of Italy sing the national anthem 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)

The draw for the play-offs will be held on November 20, with the semi-final on March 26 and final on March 31.

Italy will get home advantage for the semi-final, but not necessarily for the decisive encounter.

They have faltered in the play-offs and failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.