Norway vs Italy Prediction

Norway vs Italy Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Sportsdunia Desk

Modified - Jun, 05 2025, 07:12 PM

5 min

Norway vs Italy Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | World Cup Qualifiers

Only three times in their history has Norway defeated Italy, and that success occurred in a 1991 UEFA Euro qualifier when Norway shocked Italy with a 2-1 triumph.
While Norway excels in aggressive offensive play, particularly with Erling Haaland leading the line, Italy is renowned for its methodical defensive style.
The game will take place in Oslo's Ullevaal Stadion, where Norway has a strong record.

Norway vs Italy Preview

Tournament: UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

Date: Friday, 6 June 2025

Kick-Off Time: 06:45 PM GMT

Venue: Ullevaal Stadion

Group I leaders Norway will face Italy at the Ullevaal Stadion on Saturday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup European qualifications, which will become hotter. After missing two tournaments, Italy wants to bounce back, and Norway wants to continue its winning streak. Norway is dominating the tournament in scoring and had a solid start to the qualifications, leading Group I with two victories. Italy wants to stop Norway's ascent after losing in the quarterfinals of the Nations League. The runner-up advances to the playoffs, and only the group winner is guaranteed a spot in the World Cup. It is for a fiercely competitive game.

Norway enter this match fresh off a strong start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in Europe. A few days after thrashing Moldova by five goals to zero in Chisinau, they recently thrashed Israel by four goals to two in Hungary, with a wide range of attacking skill contributing to the victory.

Italy enters this match fresh off a highly interesting match against Germany in the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League quarterfinals during the March international break. The Germans defeated the Azzurri 2-1 in the first leg, and they overcame a 3-0 deficit to secure a thrilling 3-3 tie but a 5-4 aggregate loss in the second leg.

Norway National Football Team News

Norway manager Stale Solbakken (Image Credits: X account of nff_landslag)

Sander Berge, Patrick Berg, and Thelonious Aasgaard are midfield choices, and Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Østigård, Julian Ryerson, and David Møller Wolfe are in the defensive lineup. Jostein Gundersen and Marcus Holmgren Pedersen support the backline, guaranteeing Norway's defensive solidity. Oscar Bobb returns after a long injury layoff, adding creativity to Norway’s attack.

Italy National Football Team News

Luciano Spalletti's team will be without the services of Alessandro Buongiorno and Francesco Acerbi. Napoli centre-back Buongiorno's thigh injury prevented him from recovering in time for Italy's Group I opening games; Luca Ranieri of Fiorentina, who has never played for the senior national team, has taken his position. Acerbi pulled out of the squad on Friday following Inter Milan’s hammering by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. The Italians rely on speedy forwards and imaginative playmakers. Italy may try to counterattack quickly and compactly against Norway in order to take advantage of gaps left by advancing wing-backs.

Norway vs Italy Predicted Lineups

Norway National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Orjan Nyland

Defenders: Kristoffer Ajer, Leo Ostigard, Julian Ryerson, David Moller Wolfe

Midfielders: Martin Odegaard, Sander Berge, Morten Thorsby

Forwards: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, Oscar Bobb

Italy National Football Team Predicted Lineup

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Dimarco, Luca Ranieri

Midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella, Jorginho

Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca, Lorenzo Pellegrini

Head-to-Head Record for Norway vs Italy

In their previous clashes, the Italian National football team has dominated, winning eight of their fifteen games, while Norway has only achieved three wins, with four of those meetings ending in draws.

Date	Result	Competitiom
14/10/2015	Italy 2-1 Norway	Euro Qualification
10/09/2014	Norway 0-2 Italy	Euro Qualification

Key Players to Watch in Norway vs Italy

Martin Odegaard (Norway)

When Norway plays Italy, Martin Odegaard will be their creative engine. He will be essential as the team's captain and midfield orchestrator because of his capacity to set the pace, penetrate defences, and make accurate passes. Norway can move swiftly from defence to attack because of Odegaard's vision and technical skill, which makes him a crucial player in dismantling Italy's well-organised defensive system.

Norway has a good opportunity of upsetting Italy's defence if he can read between the lines and work well with Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb.

Lorenzo Pellegrini (Italy)

A vital component of Italy's offensive scheme, Pellegrini is a skilled attacking midfielder who can connect up plays, manage possession, and make cutting passes. He can contribute defensively when necessary and generate goal-scoring opportunities because of his technical prowess and vision. Italy will have a good opportunity of breaking through Norway's defence and putting on a dominant display if he can work well with Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca.

Norway vs Italy Prediction

Two ambitious teams are expected to engage in a fiercely contested match in this World Cup qualifying match. Erling Haaland has been leading Norway's offense, and the team has been in outstanding form, topping their group with six points. With a disciplined defence and a well-organised midfield, Italy is still a powerful force despite recent failures. This game is probably going to be close because of Italy's tactical tenacity and Norway's offensive surge. Given that both sides are anticipated to score, a draw appears to be a likely outcome.