Italy v Norway: Line-ups, stats and preview
The lowdown on Italy vs Norway in World Cup qualifying
Italy host Norway at the San Siro with the visitors’ place at the World Cup finals set to be confirmed.
Norway have not qualified for the World Cup since 1998, but a 4-1 win over Estonia on Thursday essentially secured their place at next year’s finals in North America.
The Scandinavians have a 100 percent record in qualifying with a three-point lead over Italy. Having scored a remarkable 33 goals in qualifying while conceding just four, Norway’s goal difference is such that the game in Milan is essentially a dead rubber.
But coach Stale Solbakken is still relishing his team playing at such a famous venue.
“I am a relieved man now. I love every minute of my job, but matchdays are rough,” Solbakken said.
“There aren’t many top stadiums in Europe that I haven’t been to as a coach or player, but this is one of them, he says. It’s always a big night when you coach Norway.”
Despite already knowing his side’s fate, Gattuso is not looking past their Group I finale.
“If we start thinking about the play-offs now, we will be a nervous wreck,” said Gattuso, who is hoping to guide Italy to the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
“Instead, we need to think about how we can connect with our players over the next three months. We need to organise ourselves well, go to their places for tea, coffee, and a piece of cake and stay in touch.
“We also need watch their [the players’ clubs] games, and pray to God that we arrive at the play-offs in the best possible condition.”
Italy v Norway team news
Sandro Tonali will not play for Italy to ensure the midfielder is not banned for the play-offs. Nicolo Barella, back from a ban, may replace him in the Azzurri engine room.
At the back, Riccardo Calafiori has returned to Arsenal because of a hip issue. Forwards Moise Kean and Niccolo Cambiaghi are also out through injury
Norway’s Martin Odegaard is still unavailable because of a knee problem.
Italy v Norway predicted lineups
Italy starting XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Cristante; Politano, Retegui, Raspadori.
Norway starting XI: Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland
How to watch Italy v Norway: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Sunday is at 19:45 BST (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Amazon Prime PPV, which charges £2.49 for the game.
Italy v Norway stats
Italy v Norway prediction
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Italy know they’re set for the play-offs, but the Azzurri should show pride at home despite resting some players. It’s difficult to see Italy slowing down Haaland.
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