Italy vs. Norway: Gattuso confirms one starter and explains Calafiori and Tonali absence | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Davide Frattesi will start for Italy against Norway in World Cup qualifying on Sunday evening, has suggested that either Gianluca Mancini or Alessandro Buongiorno will start at the back, and has explained why Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali will watch from the stands.

The CT sat down for his pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon ahead of Italy’s final match of the World Cup qualifying campaign, against Norway at 19.45 GMT in San Siro on Sunday.

The Azzurri are practically guaranteed to finish the group in second place, which means a place in the World Cup play-offs, unless they are able to defeat the currently unbeaten Norway by a nine-goal margin on Sunday.

Click here to read every word of Gattuso’s pre-match press conference.

Who will start for Italy against Norway?

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Players of Italy pose for a team photograph prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Gattuso has confirmed that Calafiori will not be fit enough to play, and that he will be watching on from the stands. Tonali is carrying a yellow card, is at risk of suspension for the play-offs and will therefore not be risked and will join Calafiori in the San Siro crowd.

“Calafiori’s out, he was trying yesterday,” Gattuso confirmed during his pre-match press conference.

“Tonali is also out, he doesn’t have any physical issues, but we won’t risk him given his booking. He’ll train today and he will be at the stadium tomorrow, as well as Calafiori. Both will attend the match.”

Sandro Tonali plays for Italy against Moldova in a 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri)

Gattuso was asked if the same rule applies for Mancini or Frattesi, given that they are also carrying bookings.

He replied: “Mancini took a yellow and gritted his teeth. We’ll see, either him or Buongiorno (will play). Frattesi will play tomorrow. He has completely different characteristics and will start from the first minute.”