Latest news with #Azzurri
CNA
13 hours ago
- General
- CNA
Spalletti confident in Italy's quest for World Cup return
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.
Washington Post
16 hours ago
- General
- Washington Post
Key defender Acerbi turns down Italy call-up ahead of World Cup qualifier vs. Haaland's Norway
FLORENCE, Italy — Key center back Francesco Acerbi turned down a call-up to Italy's national team, leaving the Azzurri without the defender who was expected to mark Erling Haaland during a key World Cup qualifier against Norway . Italy coach Luciano Spalletti revealed Sunday that Acerbi called him after playing for Inter Milan in the Champions League final , which was won 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.
San Francisco Chronicle
18 hours ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Key defender Acerbi turns down Italy call-up ahead of World Cup qualifier vs. Haaland's Norway
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Key center back Francesco Acerbi turned down a call-up to Italy's national team, leaving the Azzurri without the defender who was expected to mark Erling Haaland during a key World Cup qualifier against Norway. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti revealed Sunday that Acerbi called him after playing for Inter Milan in the Champions League final, which was won 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. 'He sent me a message saying he wasn't going to take part and I responded and then talked to him by phone,' Spalletti said. 'There are players who deserve to be here just as much as he does.' Italy visits Norway on Friday and then hosts Moldova three days later. 'Whether we go to the World Cup or not depends a lot on how we play in Norway,' Spalletti said. 'We all know it.' Italy has failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. Alessandro Buongiorno, another defender, was sent home injured Sunday and replaced by Luca Ranieri of Fiorentina. ___
Winnipeg Free Press
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Key defender Acerbi turns down Italy call-up ahead of World Cup qualifier vs. Haaland's Norway
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Key center back Francesco Acerbi turned down a call-up to Italy's national team, leaving the Azzurri without the defender who was expected to mark Erling Haaland during a key World Cup qualifier against Norway. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti revealed Sunday that Acerbi called him after playing for Inter Milan in the Champions League final, which was won 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. 'He sent me a message saying he wasn't going to take part and I responded and then talked to him by phone,' Spalletti said. 'There are players who deserve to be here just as much as he does.' Italy visits Norway on Friday and then hosts Moldova three days later. 'Whether we go to the World Cup or not depends a lot on how we play in Norway,' Spalletti said. 'We all know it.' Italy has failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. Alessandro Buongiorno, another defender, was sent home injured Sunday and replaced by Luca Ranieri of Fiorentina. Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Key defender Acerbi turns down Italy call-up ahead of World Cup qualifier vs. Haaland's Norway
FLORENCE, Italy (AP) — Key center back Francesco Acerbi turned down a call-up to Italy's national team, leaving the Azzurri without the defender who was expected to mark Erling Haaland during a key World Cup qualifier against Norway. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti revealed Sunday that Acerbi called him after playing for Inter Milan in the Champions League final, which was won 5-0 by Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday. Advertisement 'He sent me a message saying he wasn't going to take part and I responded and then talked to him by phone,' Spalletti said. 'There are players who deserve to be here just as much as he does.' Italy visits Norway on Friday and then hosts Moldova three days later. 'Whether we go to the World Cup or not depends a lot on how we play in Norway,' Spalletti said. 'We all know it.' Italy has failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. Alessandro Buongiorno, another defender, was sent home injured Sunday and replaced by Luca Ranieri of Fiorentina. ___ AP soccer: The Associated Press
