Spalletti confident in Italy's quest for World Cup return
OSLO: Italy manager Luciano Spalletti is framing Friday's clash at Norway as a decisive moment in their 2026 World Cup qualification and says his side are fully equipped to deliver.
Spalletti's side begin their qualifying campaign in Group I in Oslo against hosts off to a flying start with six points from two matches and nine goals scored.
Four-time World Cup champions Italy have failed to reach the World Cup finals since 2014, and are only now beginning their qualifiers after competing in the Nations League quarter-finals in March, where they lost to Germany.
"Let's be clear: in Norway, everything is on the line when it comes to whether or not we'll qualify for the World Cup," Spalletti told reporters.
"We have a duty to fulfil this task that's been entrusted to us. We need to qualify because it's absolutely crucial for us.
"As for us, we have everything we need to play our game. We have all the potential for a great match, and that's exactly what we intend to put into practice."
Norway coach Stale Solbakken was also optimistic.
"I'm not sure they're the favourites. For me, it's more of a 50–50 match on our home ground," he told reporters.
"The most important thing for us is that we are ourselves."
The 2026 World Cup will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 11 June to 19 July next year.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Soccer-Spain into last four of Women's Nations League after 2-1 win over England
BARCELONA (Reuters) -Spain's Claudia Pina came off the bench and scored twice as the reigning Nations League champions came back from a goal down to beat England 2-1 on Tuesday and claim victory in Group 3, booking their spot in the last four of this year's competition. With Germany and France having already secured victory in Groups 1 and 2 respectively and Euro 2025 only a month away, world champions Spain and European champions England met to decide their group in an intriguing clash of styles. Spain piled the pressure on from kickoff, striker Esther Gonzalez forcing England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton into a superb one-handed reflex save early on, and the England defence struggled to deal with the slick passing and movement of the hosts. However,Alessia Russo gave the visitors the lead against the run of play in the 22nd minute. With the Spaniards pleading for a free kick for what they saw as a foul on Salma Paralluelo, Keira Walsh played the ball in behind for Russo, and she scored with a well-taken finish. Rocked by the goal, the hostshad plenty of possession but created little in the way of dangerous chances until Pina entered the fray in the 58th minute. She equalised less than two minutes laterby flashing a shot across Hampton and into the net as England were punished for losing possession when trying to play out from the back. With Euro 2025 due to start in a month's time, the 23-year-old Pina staked her claim for a starting spot by getting the winner 10 minutes later, curling home a brilliant dipping effort that left Hampton helpless. The win moved Spain to 15 points from six games, five ahead of England. England captain Leah Williamson was disappointed with the result and noted that there was work for her side to do ahead of the Euros. "We didn't have any real threat. Under that much pressure against the top sides, that's what happens. We just have to be better on the ball and find solutions quicker. A great lesson," she said. "We know what we are capable of. The game changes constantly, we have to adapt a bit quicker. We have time to build and time to push ourselves before the start of the tournament." In the evening's other decisive game, Sweden raced out to a 3-0 lead after 11 minutes against Scandinavian neighbours Denmark, eventually winning 6-1 to book the remaining spot in the Nations League semi-finals by winning Group 4 with 12 points, two ahead Italy, who thrashed bottom side Wales 4-0. (Reporting by Philip O'ConnorEditing by Christian Radnedge)
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Soccer-Netherlands 'obligated' to top World Cup qualifying group, says Koeman
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Nations League - Quarter Final - Second Leg - Spain v Netherlands - Estadio de Mestalla, Valencia, Spain - March 23, 2025 Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman before the match REUTERS/Pablo Morano/File photo (Reuters) - The Netherlands are obligated to win their World Cup qualifying group, coach Ronald Koeman said on Tuesday as they began preparation for their opening Group G clash against Finland in Helsinki on Saturday. It will be their first match in their bid to qualify for next year's finals in North America, followed by a second fixture on Tuesday when they host Malta in Groningen. The Dutch belatedly kick off their qualifiers because they played in the Nations League quarter-finals in March where they drew twice with Spain before being eliminated on penalties. "Maybe it is easier to play football against Spain," Koeman told a press conference. "Because no one expects anything from us then. "Finland and Malta are different types of opponents. We will have more of the ball, and they try to stop us. "We are obligated to finish first in this group, but we do not underestimate anyone and we need to bring the energy that we have shown in our last few matches." The group also includes Lithuania and Poland, who top the standings after two wins in March. The winners qualify for the World Cup while the runners-up advances to a playoff competition. "We want to be good for all the matches and perform much more consistently," Koeman said. "We have shown that against one of the best countries in the world, which gives us confidence." One problem Koeman admitted, however, was the lack of a recognised centre forward. "We don't have top strikers now. I don't know what is coming through the ranks with the 15-16-year-olds, but it is clear that at the moment we do not have the classic striker of the past. Players like (Patrick) Kluivert, (Klaas-Jan) Huntelaar, and (Ruud) Van Nistelrooy. You don't see players like them around anymore." Koeman is not sure who would lead the line in the qualifiers over the next week. "It will probably be Memphis (Depay) or Wout (Weghorst) at the top of the attack," he said. "But (Cody) Gakpo and (Donyell) Malen are all possibilities in that position." (Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Ed Osmond)
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Traffic jam delays start of England v West Indies ODI
THE start of the third one-day international between England and the West Indies at the Oval on Tuesday was delayed after the tourists were stuck in London traffic. Rain might well have delayed the scheduled 1:00 pm local time (1200 GMT) start in any event. But as England players warmed up on the outfield the England and Wales Cricket Board issued a statement saying the tourists were 'stuck in heavy traffic'. The West Indies eventually arrived at the ground, with the toss set to take place at 1:10 pm. England have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after a 238-run victory at Edgbaston and a three-wicket win in Cardiff. Victory for West Indies in London would boost their hopes of World Cup qualification. Only the top eight teams in the International Cricket Council rankings, together with the hosts, qualify directly for the 2027 World Cup in southern Africa. The West Indies are ninth in the standings, with England in eighth position.
