Overview
Ensuring a top 2 position in Group I, Italy is no longer under much pressure before the final matches of this month. Their fate has almost been decided with the remaining 2 matches.
After overcoming the challenge from Israel, Azzurri continued to recover after a 0-3 loss to Norway in Oslo on the opening day. This defeat forced the departure of former coach Luciano Spalletti.
Under the leadership of new coach Gennaro Gattuso, Italy has won 6 consecutive victories. However, they still had a tense match when they defeated Moldova 2-0 thanks to late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito.
In theory, this result helps Italy continue the race towards the top of the table, but they will need a miracle to overcome Norway. Currently, the Azzurri are 3 points behind the leader and have a significant advantage in goal difference. Therefore, only a 9-goal gap could change the situation.
In fact, taking revenge for the first leg defeat will help Italy strengthen their spirits in the face of a stressful journey in the play-off round.
While Italy have failed to feature in two consecutive World Cups due to qualifying, Norway have waited nearly three decades to return to the biggest tournament on the planet.
Except for a complete collapse in Milan, the first World Cup final since 1998 is awaiting Norway. They have eliminated almost all of their opponents in Group I.
After a surprise 3-0 win over Italy in June, Norway has accumulated a maximum of 21 points. They just need to score one more goal to set a record for the most goals in UEFA qualifiers this century.
Only last month's friendly draw with New Zealand stopped Landslagen's run of nine consecutive wins in all competitions, including a 11-1 win over Moldova and a 5-0 win over Israel.
Stale Solbakken's side approached the finish line in midweek, when Haaland's second-half double and Alexander Sorloth's goal helped them beat Estonia.
Personnel situation
With the goal of ending the situation of losing in the play-off round, Gennaro Gattuso admitted that avoiding suspension will affect his team selection.
Therefore, key midfielder Sandro Tonali will not be able to play due to the risk of being banned from playing in the play-off match. The home side also lost attacking players Moise Kean and Niccolo Cambiaghi to injury, but Nicolo Barella could replace Tonali after completing a one-match ban.
Gianluca Scamacca has yet to regain his form after a slow start, so Mateo Retegui could return. Italy's number one goalkeeper and captain - Gianluigi Donnarumma - will also return to the goal.
While Retegui has a quite impressive record, Haaland only needs 2 more goals to equal Robert Lewandowski's record of 16 goals in the UEFA qualifiers. The Manchester City star will partner Alexander Sorloth in the Norwegian attack, which could be supported from both wings by Oscar Bobb and Antonio Nusa.
The visitors will be without Martin Odegaard due to a knee injury. However, the Arsenal midfielder will still be present to cheer on his teammates in Milan.
In defense, Solbakken called back Genoa defender Leo Ostigard, but Bologna's Torbjorn Heggem could still be given priority to partner Kristoffer Ajer.
Expected lineup:
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco, Barella, Locatelli, Cristante, Politano, Retegui, Raspadori.
Norway: Nyland, Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan, Bobb, Berg, Berge, Nusa, Sorloth, Haaland.
The match between Italy and Norway takes place at 2:45 am on November 17 (Vietnam time).
