World Cup qualifiers 2026: Italy-Norway, the probable formations
Italy hosts Norway on the final day of Group I of World Cup 2026 qualifiers. Kickoff at 8:45 p.m. at ‘Meazza’. The Azzurri would need a 9-0 win for direct qualification to the World Cup: a frankly unthinkable result. It will therefore be a test to prepare for the play-offs in March while on the other side the Nordics will mathematically celebrate their access to the World Cup.
Gattuso returns to 3-5-2 with Bastoni replacing the unavailable Calafiori in defense. Barella and Frattesi are back in midfield, while Tonali, who is cautioned, will be spared. In attack, a chance from the first minute for Pio Esposito, who will pair with Retegui.
Solbakken should confirm in toto the eleven that took the field with Estonia. The attacking tandem formed by Haaland and Sorloth, while Bobb and Nusa will act as the outside midfielders. In defense there’s Heggem (Bologna) alongside Ajer, between the posts Nyland.
Probable lineups
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Frattesi, Dimarco; Retegui, Esposito. Ct. Gattuso
Norway (4-4-2): Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe; Bobb, Berge, Berg, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland. Ct. Solbakken
