The way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a dramatic turn for Italy. A crushing 3-0 defeat against Norway In the opening match of UEFA qualification, there is a fear that the Azzurri Can again miss the largest stage of Soccer. After not being eligible for both Russia 2018 And Qatar 2022and suffering early outputs in South Africa 2010 And Brazil 2014Italy is now confronted with the frightening prospect to miss his third consecutive world cup.
The loss for Norway – led by Erling And Alexander Sørloth– was the last drop for head coach Luciano Spallettiwho was immediately fired. Taking over is the former Italian midfielder and world cup winner Gennaro Gattusowho announced his first team for the International Window of September. Italy will now be confronted Estonia And IsraelCompetitions that can determine whether their qualifying hope remains alive.
To secure a direct ticket for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Italy has to surpass his group. At the moment, Norway is comfortable at the top With 12 points and a superior target difference of +12. Italy trails with only 3 points of two games, sitting in third place behind IsraelThose 6 points have from three games. Estonia also has 3 points, although of four games.
If Italy cannot close the gap in Norway, it must at least strive for second place to reach the play -off of March. But even that is not guaranteed, because Israel has shown a strong shape and has the upper hand. At this stage, the error margin of Italy has disappeared: They have to win almost every remaining competition To keep their World Cup -Dream alive.
Gennaro Gattuso replaces Spalletti and will make his debut during this FIFA break.
What is left on the schedule of Italy
- September 5: vs. Estonia (Bergamo)
- September 8: In Israel (played in Hungary)
- October: Reverse luminaires against Israel and Estonia
- November: At Moldova, then vs. Norway in San Siro (Giuseppe Meazza)
see also
Concacaf countries that chase a very first world cup place in qualifications from 2026
The Azzurri, four -fold world champions, are again in crisis. With Gattuso now at the helm, Italy has to rediscover his Vechtgeest and avoid the humiliation of missing another world cup. The Italian football history will define the following monthsAnd for a proud nation that is still being chased by recent failures, the pressure could not be higher.
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