Norway on the run, play-off risk very high: Who is likely to face Italy?
The ’11-1 with which the Norway swept away Moldova has, in fact, reduced to the twilight zone Italy’s chances of nabbing the first place in the group and, consequently, the direct pass to the World Cup. Goal difference favors the Norwegians (+21) and, therefore, Gattuso’s national team needs “outside help” to hope for a miracle. Only Israel (Norway’s opponent next Oct. 11) could lend a hand to the Azzurri.
In fact, the chances of having to play, again, in the play-offs to go to the World Cup are very high. After being eliminated by Sweden in 2018 and by Northern Macedonia in 2022, it is clear that the pressure for a possible third-round play-off would be tremendous.
It should be remembered that in order to snatch a pass for the 2026 World Cup, two wins will be needed in the eventual playoffs in March. In fact, there are 16 national teams that will participate and only four will party.
Being seeded, Italy, in the first play-off, should find an ’opponent “comfortable” although the precedent with North Macedonia does not leave one calm. The list of possible opponents is very long and, at the moment, there are few certainties. Surely we could draw one among Sweden, Northern Ireland, San Marino and Moldova. To these must be added dangerous national teams such as Serbia, Hungary, Georgia (or Turkey) and many others. In short, it will not be a cakewalk. In fact, it never has been and, unfortunately, the last two playoffs have been dramatic.
