Italy vs Norway – Match Preview

Italy would need a very unlikely win by nine goals or more to finish first in Group I. Norway are already celebrating qualification and only need to avoid a heavy defeat.

Match News and Form

Italy
Italy beat Moldova 2–0 on Thursday and are now on a run of six wins in a row. They have not been at a World Cup since 2014, so their hopes will almost certainly depend on the play-offs.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso has started well with five straight wins, and his team have scored 18 goals in these matches. Italy also look strong at the back, keeping three home clean sheets since March.

Norway
Norway are almost officially through after their 4–1 win over Estonia. They have been dominant in this qualifying campaign:

• 7 wins from 7
  
• 33 goals scored
  
• Only 4 goals conceded
  Coach Ståle Solbakken brings a confident team to the San Siro. Norway have also won their last four away games, scoring at least four goals in three of them.
  

Head-to-Head

Norway beat Italy 3–0 in June, their first win over the Azzurri since 2000.
Only two of the last nine meetings saw both teams score.

Key Stats

• Italy scored 3+ goals in four of their last five matches under Gattuso.
  
• 8 of Italy’s last 10 competitive games had at least 3 goals.
  
• 9 of Norway’s last 11 wins were by 2 goals or more.
  
• Norway scored 3+ goals in eight of their last nine competitive matches.
  

Players to Watch

Italy – Francesco Pio Esposito
Two goals in his last three matches. All of his last seven goals came after half-time.

Norway – Alexander Sørloth
Ended his long goal drought with two goals vs Estonia. Also scored the opener in the 3–0 win over Italy.

Team News

Italy may rest Sandro Tonali because he is one yellow card away from suspension for the play-offs.
Norway have no new injuries.

Prediction

Italy 2–2 Norway BET NOW AT ARADA.BET

Why this prediction?

Italy enter the match in strong form with six wins in a row, scoring freely under Gattuso and keeping three straight home clean sheets. However, Norway have been the most dominant team in the group, winning all seven qualifiers, scoring 33 goals, and arriving with high confidence after their 4–1 win over Estonia. Italy rarely beat Norway comfortably, and Norway have shown they can hurt them — as seen in the 3–0 win in June.Italy will push, but Norway’s attack is too dangerous and their confidence too high. With neither team under massive pressure and both in great form, a competitive high-quality draw is the most realistic outcome.

Please note: this is only an analysis, and we take no responsibility for any bets placed by readers.