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Italy vs Norway — Match Preview
Under the San Siro lights, Italy and Norway collide in a high-stakes World Cup Qualifier between two nations in red-hot form. Italy enter this match scoring freely under Gattuso, combining vertical pace and midfield dominance. Norway arrive with one of Europe’s most explosive attacks — Haaland, Sørloth, Nusa — and a recent run of scoring 3+ goals in eight of their last nine games.
This isn’t simply first vs second in Group F — it’s a direct fight for control of the group, momentum, and psychological advantage heading into the final qualifying stretch.
Italy vs Norway — Quick Match Info
Fixture: Italy vs Norway
Competition: World Cup Qualifiers (UEFA)
Venue: San Siro / Giuseppe Meazza (80,018)
Date: 16 November 2025
Referee: A. Hernández (Spain)
Prediction: Italy 2–2 Norway
Key Narrative: Italy’s structured build-up vs Norway’s explosive counter-attack — both teams are in peak form.
Italy vs Norway — What’s at Stake
Italy are unbeaten and scoring heavily, but this match tests whether their progress under Gattuso is real or inflated by weaker opposition. A win puts them level with Norway and keeps automatic qualification under their control.
Norway sit top and know a win in Milan would almost guarantee World Cup qualification. With their firepower, they aren’t intimidated — they’ve beaten Italy 3–0 earlier in the campaign.
This is a fight for group supremacy, not just three points.
Italy vs Norway —Team Form
Italy (Last 5): W-W-W-W-W
- Free-scoring: 3+ goals in 4 of their last 5
- Midfield dominance under Gattuso
- Strong home record
- Clear upward tactical identity
Norway (Last 5): W-D-W-W-W
- Highest scoring attack in the group
- Haaland + Sørloth combination in peak rhythm
- Defensive improvements
- Confident after beating Italy earlier
Italy vs Norway — Team News
Italy — Team News
Moise Kean is OUT.
The rest of the squad is available.
Impact: Minimal loss — Italy’s attacking depth (Raspadori, Retegui, Orsolini, Zaccagni) covers the absence.
Norway — Team News
No major absences reported.
Impact: Norway arrive at full strength with their elite front line intact.
Italy vs Norway — Predicted Lineups
Italy (3-5-2)
GK: Donnarumma
DEF: Di Lorenzo — Bastoni — Calafiori
MID: Orsolini — Barella — Locatelli — Ricci — Dimarco
FW: Raspadori — Retegui
Norway (4-4-2)
GK: Nyland
DEF: Ryerson — Ajer — Heggem — Wolfe
MID: Bobb — Berge — Berg — Nusa
FW: Sørloth — Haaland
Italy vs Norway — Spotlight Players
Italy – Federico Dimarco
- Massive creative output from wing-back
- Delivery + late runs = key to breaking Norway’s block
- One of Italy’s most consistent progressors
Norway – Erling Haaland
- Physical mismatch for Italy’s back line
- Scores in every type of scenario
- Italy must control service to him or this match becomes dangerous
Why this matters:
Both dictate their team’s entire attacking rhythm — Dimarco through creation, Haaland through finishing.
Italy vs Norway — Tactical Outlook
Italy Tactical Approach
- Three-man build-up into wide overloads
- Vertical midfield progression through Barella
- Use Dimarco + Orsolini to stretch Norway
Weakness: Defensive transitions vs elite pace.
Norway Tactical Approach
- Quick wide breaks through Nusa
- Direct Haaland/Sørloth linkup
- Midfield compactness to block Italy’s passing lanes
Weakness: High line + risky CB pair vs Italy’s runners.
This match is built on speed, transitions, and who controls the wings.
Italy vs Norway — Key Battles
| Matchup | Battle Type | Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Bastoni vs Haaland | Strength & box control | Norway |
| Barella vs Berge | Midfield tempo | Italy |
| Nusa vs Di Lorenzo | Pace & 1v1s | Norway |
| Dimarco vs Ryerson | Progression & delivery | Italy |
These duels decide shot volume and tempo.
Italy vs Norway — Statistical Snapshot
| Metric | Italy | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per Game | 2.9 | 4.7 |
| Possession | 63.6% | 59.7% |
| Clean Sheets | 4 | 4 |
| Assists | 17 | 25 |
| Goals Conceded | 8 | 4 |
Italy = control + structure
Norway = intensity + finishing power
Italy vs Norway — Fan Reactions
Italy Fans:
- “Gattuso’s Italy is alive again.”
- “Revenge for the 3–0 loss — must win at home.”
- “Barella + Dimarco will run this game.”
Norway Fans:
- “We already destroyed them once — why fear them now?”
- “Haaland + Nusa = unstoppable.”
- “A draw in Milan is enough — but we want the win.”
Italy vs Norway — Where to Watch
- Rai / RAI Play (Italy)
- Viaplay (Norway, Sweden)
- UEFA TV (Selected regions)
- Sky Sport (Italy)
- ESPN (Latin America)
- DAZN (Multiple regions)
- TV2 Play (Norway)
Italy vs Norway — Match-Defining Factors
- Italy’s ability to slow down Norway’s transitions
- Norway’s finishing efficiency vs volume-based Italy
- Wing play: Dimarco vs Nusa influences everything
- First goal impact — both teams dominate when leading
Italy vs Norway — Prediction
Italy 2–2 Norway
Why:
- Both attacks are firing at elite levels
- Italy score consistently but concede vs pace
- Norway’s attack is too strong to be kept quiet
- Draw fits the tactical balance: Italy control, Norway counter with deadly efficiency
Italy vs Norway — Final Word
San Siro becomes the stage for two of Europe’s most in-form sides. Italy want revenge and control; Norway want to prove their dominance isn’t a fluke. Expect tempo, aggression, and a game shaped by the wings and transitions. This isn’t just a qualifier — it feels like a knockout match.
Italy vs Norway — FAQs
Q1: What time is kickoff?
16 November 2025, 19:45 UTC.
Q2: Who is favored?
Slight edge to Italy at home — but Norway’s form is stronger.
Q3: Will both teams score?
Almost certain — both attacks are too strong.
Q4: Expected goals range?
3–4 goals.
Q5: Key players to watch?
Dimarco (Italy), Haaland (Norway), Nusa (Norway), Barella (Italy).
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