Italy‘s hopes for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup suffered a major blow Monday with a stunning 4-1 defeat to Norway in their final Group I qualifying match.The loss at San Siro in Milan dashed the Azzurri’s chances of automatic entry, requiring them to now compete in a playoff round for a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament. Manager Gennaro Gattuso has since issued an apology to fans for the team’s disappointing performance and collapse during the match, acknowledging a significant failure to meet expectations.
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso apologized to fans following a disappointing 1-4 defeat to Norway in the final match of Group I qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Gianluigi Donnarumma and the Azzurri needed a resounding 9-0 victory to secure direct qualification, but instead suffered a heavy loss at San Siro in Milan on Monday, November 17th.
“We apologize to the fans and take full responsibility for this,” Gattuso said, as reported by Football Italia. “It was a very important match for us, against a strong team, and a win would have given us a significant boost in confidence moving forward.”
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“We failed. We cannot collapse and be humiliated like this when we face adversity,” he added.
When questioned about the contrasting performances of his team in the first and second halves, Gattuso dismissed concerns about physical fatigue.
“I don’t think it was a physical issue, because within 30 seconds of the restart we conceded a goal, then dropped back and allowed them to take control,” Gattuso explained.
“Then we started playing to their strengths, and they were able to cause us problems. It wasn’t a matter of fitness.”
Despite the loss to Norway, Italy remains in second place in Group I of 2026 World Cup qualifying. The Azzurri will now have to navigate a playoff route to reach the tournament. This result adds pressure to Italy as they look to secure a spot in the expanded 48-team competition.
(jal)
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