Italy in Trouble Again After Heavy Defeat in Norway

A Giant of World Football Faces Another World Cup Disaster

Italy are one of the biggest teams in World Cup history with four titles. But now they are close to missing the World Cup for the third time in a row.

Their 4–1 loss to Norway on Sunday means Italy cannot qualify automatically for the 2026 tournament. They finished six points behind Norway and must now go through the play-offs – something that has brought them heartbreak before.

A History of Recent Failure

Italy failed to reach the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. They lost play-offs to Sweden in 2017 and to North Macedonia in 2022. Italian journalists say the current situation feels “apocalyptic”.

The 2026 World Cup will have 48 teams in Canada, Mexico and the USA. But even with more places, Italy are struggling.

The Qualification Decline

Italy’s campaign started badly with a weak 3–0 defeat to Norway. Manager Luciano Spalletti even offered to resign, but he stayed for one more game. Italy were always chasing after that.

Norway won all seven qualifiers and scored goals for fun. Italy later appointed Gennaro Gattuso, a national hero as a player but a risky choice as a coach.

Some Italian journalists say the team no longer has the quality or leadership it once had. “It shows how far Italy have fallen,” said one.

Gattuso Brings Goals but Not Control

Under Gattuso, Italy have at least become exciting. They scored 18 goals in five matches, including a 5–0 win over Estonia and a crazy 5–4 match against Israel.

But they still look fragile. Even weaker teams created many chances. Analysts say Italy “have no balance” and “look tactically naive”.

Gattuso’s passion and energy helped the players, but it may not be enough.