Erling Haaland has led Norway via a historic run within the UEFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, sending Italy into second place, and as soon as once more forcing the Azzurri down the playoff path. Now left to attend till March for a closing shot at qualification, Italy faces one final take a look at to interrupt its latest World Cup curse.
Italy entered the ultimate Matchday needing an virtually unattainable nine-goal win over Norway at dwelling, however after taking a 1–0 lead into halftime, the Azzurri couldn’t maintain on. A Haaland brace powered Norway to a 4–1 comeback, a consequence that delivered a crushing emotional blow to Italy, which completed second with 18 factors.
To achieve the World Cup subsequent yr, Italy should now undergo the UEFA playoffs, held through the March worldwide window. The format consists of the 12 runners-up from qualifying teams and 4 groups that earned spots via the UEFA Nations League, all preventing for the ultimate 4 World Cup berths.
Among the many second-place groups already confirmed are Italy, Ukraine, the Republic of Eire, Albania, and the Czech Republic, with the remaining seven decided on Monday and Tuesday. Due to their Nations League efficiency, Sweden (with only one level in qualifying), Romania, and Northern Eire even have one other likelihood, whereas Wales and North Macedonia will finalize their positions this week.
Gianluca Scamacca of Italy exhibits his dejection throughout Norway’s recreation.
The Azzurri will study their playoff path when the draw is held on December 5. The format options single-elimination semifinals and finals throughout 4 playoff brackets, with higher-ranked nations internet hosting. Sitting ninth within the FIFA rankings, Italy is positioned to play at dwelling, giving them a serious alternative to redeem themselves after the Norway defeat.
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Erling Haaland’s brace leads Norway to historic 4–1 win over Italy, securing ticket to 2026 World Cup
Italy looking out to interrupt its World Cup drought
With 4 World Cup titles, a runner-up end in 1994, and a 2006 overcome Zinedine Zidane’s France, Italy stays one of the storied nations in international soccer. However lately, the Azzurri have struggled to reassert themselves on the world stage.
The downturn started at Brazil 2014, the place Italy crashed out within the group stage as Costa Rica shocked the world by ending forward of the Azzurri and behind Uruguay. Then got here the disastrous 2018 cycle: after ending second to Spain in qualifying, Italy was shocked by Sweden within the playoffs, lacking the World Cup for the primary time since 1958.
Italy appeared to have turned the web page by profitable the Euro 2020 (performed in 2021) in over England. However qualifying for Qatar 2022 introduced one other collapse. After once more ending second of their group, this time behind Switzerland, the Azzurri have been knocked out by North Macedonia in a surprising playoff defeat, a spot that was secured by Portugal within the closing section.
Alessandro Bastoni and Joao Pedro Galvao of Italy look dejected throughout North Macedonia recreation.
Gennaro Gattuso is now the sixth coach in a turbulent cycle that has seen a sequence of managers since 2014, together with Luciano Spalletti, Roberto Mancini, and Antonio Conte, amongst others. Now, after failing to high their group as soon as extra, the Azzurri are headed again to the playoffs in March, hoping {that a} third try will lastly safe their return to the world’s greatest stage.
