Overview

• Italy needs at least a draw to secure a 2026 World Cup playoff place, with kickoff at 20:45 local time (14:45 ET) at Bluenergy Stadium.
• Norway tops Group I on 18 points with a superior goal difference, while Italy sits second on 12 and Israel trails on 9 after playing an extra game.
• Gattuso is without Moise Kean through injury and Alessandro Bastoni through suspension, with reports pointing to Gianluca Mancini starting and Giacomo Raspadori partnering Mateo Retegui.
• Udine authorities labeled the match high risk due to a large pro-Palestine march, enforcing bans on glass and cans, red zones near the stadium, and aerial and expanded police patrols.
• Italy’s form has improved under Gattuso, including last month’s 5–4 win away to Israel, though U.S. viewing is reported via streaming on Amazon Prime and Fubo with no confirmed TV broadcast.