Ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifier match, Norway`s head coach, Ståle Solbakken, stated that he was “a bit surprised” by two particular choices made by Italy coach Luciano Spalletti for the starting lineup.
The game is scheduled to kick off at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo.
Italy`s national team, known as the Azzurri, are in Group I, competing against Norway, Moldova, Estonia, and Israel. While this marks Italy`s first match in the group, Norway has already played and won two games, currently leading the standings.
Norway`s Position in the Group
“It`s important for both teams to secure three points,” Solbakken told RAI Sport. “It will likely be a closely contested match. We are facing a very strong side with an excellent coach. We are looking forward to it, but we know it will be extremely challenging.”
Despite Italy missing several key players, particularly in defensive and attacking positions, the Norway manager highlighted one significant decision that caught him off guard.
“Perhaps they are facing a lack of alternatives, but the starting eleven is strong,” Solbakken commented. “We were slightly surprised by the decision to play Zappacosta on the right wing-back and Coppola in defence. However, apart from those two, the team was what we anticipated.”
He added, “Nine players from their starting lineup are used to playing together, so that shouldn`t pose a problem for them.”
Davide Zappacosta is a regular player for Atalanta in Serie A and the Champions League. However, he has not represented Italy since a Nations League match against Poland back in September 2018, representing a gap of nearly seven years for the experienced player, who is set to turn 33 next week.
As for Diego Coppola, he is making his senior international debut following a strong season playing for Hellas Verona.
