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Italy Need Nine at San Siro as Norway Close In on 2026 Berth

A dominant qualifying run has left Norway effectively through on goal difference, leaving Italy chasing a miraculous margin to avoid the play-offs.

Overview

  • Norway lead Group I by three points with a vastly superior goal difference (+29 to Italy's +12) after seven wins from seven.
  • Kick-off is Sunday at 19:45 GMT at San Siro, with coverage including Amazon Prime pay-per-view in the UK.
  • Erling Haaland tops the European qualifying scoring chart with 14 goals as Norway aim to cap an unbeaten campaign.
  • Italy will hold out midfielder Sandro Tonali to prevent a potential play-off suspension, while Norway are without captain Martin Ødegaard due to a knee injury.
  • Gattuso's Italy have won five straight under his tenure, most recently beating Moldova 2-0, yet still require a nine-goal victory after June's 3-0 loss to Norway.