The concerns are significant in Italy after the dramatic start to the World Cup qualifying series. Luciano Spalletti’s team lost 3-0 to Norway and already fears a new World Cup trauma.
“I have no words for it,” said goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma afterward. “I can’t explain what happened, but our fans don’t deserve this. We are Italy, this isn’t right.”
After missing out on the two World Cups in 2018 and 2022, the pressure is high in Italy. Due to the heavy defeat against Norway, a direct World Cup ticket seems a difficult task for ‘La Squadra Azzurra’. Italy is fourth, and only the group winner qualifies directly for the final tournament in 2026.
Donnarumma knows that things have to improve to qualify for the World Cup this time and calls on his teammates to take responsibility. “This defeat is unacceptable,” said Donnarumma. “We need to take a good look in the mirror and try to get out of this valley together.”
Coach Spalletti also expressed his concerns. “Something has to change. After such a performance, you have to look at yourself and ask questions. You can only conclude that there are problems. You have to face them.”
Italy must now chase second-placed Israel, who won 1-3 away to Estonia on Friday. Spalletti hopes for improvement and has confidence in his team. “This is not who we are. Individually, we can do more than this. We have to show that now.”