Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is a heavyweight Group I finale on Sunday night, Italy will welcome Norway to the San Siro.
Italy
Starting with the hosts, while Italy might have opened their World Cup qualifying adventure with an infamous 3-0 drumming at the hands of Norway back in June, the Azzurri have come roaring back in a sensational fashion. Although Gennaro Gattuso’s camp might have already accepted that they will have to settle for a silver medal finish in Group I, the former AC Milan boss has seen his superstar squad embark on a real purple patch. Last seen marking their return to qualifying action earlier in the week with a routine 2-0 victory away at Moldova, the European giants have won all of their previous six consecutive qualifying appearances. Enjoying what has become their most successful spell since their European Championship success back in 2020, Italy will simply be looking to sign off their Group I adventure with a final statement of intent.
Italy Team News
While skipper Gianluigi Donnarumma might have settled for a spot on the bench away against Moldova on Thursday, Manchester City’s new goalkeeper will return between the sticks here. However, serving a one-match suspension earlier in the week, Inter Milan ace Nicolo Barella could be handed a full recall.
Both dealing with recent respective injury issues, Italy are unable to call upon the duo of Moise Kean and Niccolo Cambiaghi this month. Finding the net away in Moldova and notching a second Group I strike, Roma ace Gianluca Mancini will start at the heart of Gattuso’s defence.
Norway
As for the visitors, embarking on what has become a record-breaking fairytale, Norway are 90 minuets away from officially booking their first World Cup appearance since way back in 1998. Continuing to receive a string of plaudits from across the continent, Stale Solbakken’s side find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Last seen earlier in the week securing a thumping 4-1 victory at home against Estonia, Sunday’s guests have all but mathematically wrapped up top spot in Group I. With their sensational qualifying romp highlighted by a famous 11-1 win against Moldova on September 9th, Norway will certainly be excited by a trip to the San Siro this weekend. Notching a staggering 33 World Cup qualifying strikes this year, Solbakken’s high-flying squad also stormed their way to a 3-0 victory when they last met Italy back on June 6th.
Norway Team News
Knowing that he could potential shatter even more records on Sunday night, Manchester City talisman Erling Haaland will spearhead Norway’s charge in the final third. Likewise, bagging a qualifying brace against Estonia earlier in the week, Atletico Madrid marksman Alexander Sorloth should keep his spot alongside Haaland in attack.
Fulham star Sander Berge will start in the middle of the park and should be partnered with Bodo/Glimt’s Patrick Berg. Now entering his third campaign with Spanish outfit Sevilla, one-time Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland will start between the sticks this weekend.
Italy vs Norway Key Factors to Consider
- When Italy and Norway met for their reverse Group I showdown on June 6th, Sunday’s guests stormed their way to a stunning 3-0 victory on home soil.
- Norway have registered 21 points from their seven World Cup qualifying appearances this year.
- Italy have won all of their last six consecutive Group I appearances by an aggregate score of 20-5.
- Norway have registered 33 World Cup qualifying goals this year.
- Sunday’s guests have won their last four straight showdowns on foreign soil by an aggregate score of 14-3.
Conclusion
All but mathematically wrapping up top spot in Group I, Norway will certainly be relishing a famous trip to the San Siro this weekend. Storming their way to a stunning 3-0 victory when they welcomed Italy to Oslo back in June, Sunday’s guests have continued to receive a string of plaudits from across the globe. Notching a staggering 33 qualifying goals this year, neutrals could be treated to a real thriller in Milan. Likewise, with Italy winning all of their previous six consecutive Group I showdowns by an aggregate score of 20-5, chances could come thick and fast here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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