Italy rocked in Oslo as Luciano Spalletti hints at crisis talks

Straits Times

15 hours ago

OSLO – Coach Luciano Spalletti admitted Italy are going through a difficult patch after their humbling loss in Norway, and said he would speak with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about the situation.
The Azzurri have not reached a World Cup since 2014 – a painful drought for a nation that once stood proudly among football's elite with four world titles to their name.
With an abysmal start to their latest qualifying campaign, after being dominated by Norway in a 3-0 loss in Oslo on June 6, Spalletti is already under pressure.
His side were constantly punished by a Norwegian team that dominated on the counter-attack and they were clearly second best on a rainy night at Ullevaal Stadium.
'We need a bit more enthusiasm, as individuals. We need to add something more, otherwise something has got to change,' the coach told reporters.
'This is not who we are, because in terms of individuals, we can do more, but you can also see this is a difficult moment. A few things did happen to us, but this is the squad I chose and will continue with.'
When asked about his position as the manager of the Italian national team, Spalletti admitted that there would be difficult conversation coming up with the FIGC.
'I need to talk to president (Gabriele) Gravina about their intentions, their view on the decision I make,' he added. 'I chose this group because I thought there was quality, but if we are so fragile that we don't keep an offside trap, we don't chase down opponents, then there is a lack of confidence.
'Quality isn't enough without that.'
Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland all scored in the first half in pouring rain as Norway made it a night to forget for the Italians.
Italy are playing catch-up with Norway, the Group I leaders with a maximum nine points after wins over Moldova and Israel in March when the Azzurri were still involved in the Uefa Nations League.
Israel are second on six points after a 3-1 win over Estonia in Tallinn, where Norway will head for their next game on June 9. Italy return home to face Moldova in Reggio Emilia in their second game.
'I have no explanation. Our supporters don't deserve this kind of match. We need to do some soul-searching. It's unacceptable,' Italy captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma told Rai Sport.
Spalletti was also asked if he is worried that the World Cup might be already out of reach after the Norway loss, even if it is early in the campaign.
'There are always worries, because after a performance like that, you clearly have to ask yourself questions and realise there are problems, but you have to face them, because there is no other possibility,' he said.
Meanwhile, Belgium kicked off their qualifying bid in Group J with a 1-1 draw against North Macedonia.
Maxim De Cuyper gave Belgium the lead after Romelu Lukaku's shot was blocked but former Leeds man Ezgjan Alioski volleyed in the equaliser with four minutes to play in Skopje.
North Macedonia are unbeaten through three matches but trail Wales, who top the pile on seven points following a 3-0 home win over Liechtenstein.
Joe Rodon, Harry Wilson and Kieffer Moore struck in Cardiff to keep Wales unbeaten since the appointment last year of Craig Bellamy, whose side head to Brussels next week.
'We could have made it a lot more (goals), and we'd like to make it a lot more,' Bellamy told BBC Wales.
'I'm looking forward to Monday (against Belgium).'
The 12 group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 expanded 48-team tournament, while the runners-up head into the play-offs which will decide the final four qualifiers from Europe. REUTERS, AFP
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