Norway vs Italy, FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Today Match Prediction

Norway vs Italy Match Prediction & Analysis

Norway will look to continue their impressive start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as they host Italy in a highly anticipated Group I clash at Ullevaal Stadion.  The Norwegians currently lead the group with a perfect six points from two games, securing dominant wins over Moldova (5-0) and Israel (4-2). This strong opening has fueled hopes for their first World Cup appearance since 1998, with a talented squad featuring stars like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard.

Italy, conversely, kicks off their qualifying campaign under pressure, aiming to end a 12-year World Cup drought. Their recent form has been mixed, including a Nations League quarter-final exit in March. 

While they possess a historically strong record against Norway, having won 8 of their 15 previous meetings, the "Azzurri" will need to address recent defensive vulnerabilities. This opening match is crucial for Italy to assert their dominance and begin closing the six-point gap on the group leaders.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Norway Preview

Norway enters their World Cup qualifying match against Italy in sensational form, aiming for a third consecutive win in the campaign – a feat achieved only once before this century. Their impressive run includes four overall victories, scoring 18 goals and conceding just three.

At home, Norway boasts a strong World Cup qualifying record, with only one loss in their last nine fixtures (W5, D3), and four of those five wins by multi-goal margins. They are undefeated at halftime in their last 15 competitive games and have lost only one of their last 10 World Cup qualifiers.

Their last six matches average 5 total goals with 3.67 goals scored per game and 1.33 conceded, resulting in 100% "Over 2.5 goals." They've won their last four competitive games by 2+ goals and secured halftime/fulltime victories in all of them.

Key contributors include Erling Haaland, top scorer in the Nations League's second division with seven goals and two in current qualifiers, and captain Martin Ødegaard, who leads assists with four. 

Norway probable starting lineup: Nyland (Gk); Ryerson, Ostigard, Ajer, Wolfe; Odegaard, Berge, Berg, Schjelderup; Sorloth, Haaland

Italy Preview

Italy kicks off their World Cup qualifying campaign seeking their first World Cup appearance in over a decade. Despite a recent three-match winless streak (D1, L2), including a 3-3 draw against and conceding eight goals in that period, Italy traditionally boasts a strong defensive record in qualifiers.

Under Luciano Spalletti, Italy has shown resilience, notably in the Nations League where they only missed the top spot on goal difference and mounted a three-goal comeback against from a 1-5 halftime deficit. They haven't lost at halftime in their last 14 consecutive World Cup qualifiers and are undefeated in 142 of their last 166 overall games. Furthermore, they've kept four consecutive clean sheets in away World Cup qualifiers, last conceding in 2017.

However, their recent World Cup qualifying record is concerning, with only one win in their last six matches. Also, their last six away qualifiers have seen under 2.5 goals. Key players include Giacomo Raspadori, who surprisingly led Italy in goals and assists (2 goals, 3 assists) in the Nations League despite limited minutes. Defender Alessandro Bastoni has been a consistent performer, leading the Nations League in ball recoveries with 54. 

Italy probable starting lineup: Donnarumma (Gk); Di Lorenzo, Gatti, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Udogie; Raspadori, Kean