Italy’s road to redemption begins tonight in Oslo as the four-time World Cup champions, who missed the last two tournaments, face an in-form Norway side led by Erling Haaland. Ahead of the match, Italian captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma issued a rallying cry: stop Haaland, or risk falling behind in the race to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Donnarumma: “Haaland is one of the best, and that brings tension.”
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Donnarumma was honest about the challenge ahead: “Haaland is one of the best strikers in the world, a truly incredible attacking force. When you’re facing someone like him, the tension naturally rises, but that also helps you focus more. We know we have to give everything to stop him.”
While this marks Italy’s opening match in Group I, it’s already Norway’s third. Haaland’s team made a flying start, thrashing Moldova 5–0 and beating Israel 4–2, with the Manchester City star scoring in both games.
After the heartbreak of missing out on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Italy are desperate to avoid another absence on the world’s biggest stage. Donnarumma didn’t hide the stakes.
“We need everyone, players, staff, and especially the fans, united. Qualifying for the World Cup would be a result of collective effort. Even if not everyone can be in Norway cheering us on, we know the whole country is behind us.”
The 26-year-old, now one of the team’s most senior figures, added: “We’re a young squad. What we need most is confidence, and we’re fortunate to have a great coach in Spalletti. This is an urgent situation. We’ve got to get the lineup right, stay calm, and push for a win.”
A Winner’s Mindset from Paris
Fresh off a remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he helped the club win four trophies, including the UEFA Champions League, Donnarumma is bringing that winning mentality into the Italy camp.
“My mindset with PSG has been about staying calm and playing with freedom, even in high-pressure moments,” he said. “Now, I’m trying to bring that same energy to the national team, but also the determination to fight for every ball.”
Belgium and Croatia also Begin Campaigns.
Elsewhere in Europe, fellow football powerhouses Belgium and Croatia are also kicking off their qualifying campaigns. Belgium travel to face North Macedonia, while Croatia take on Gibraltar, who have lost both of their opening games.
Veterans, including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku (Belgium), and Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić, and Andrej Kramarić (Croatia), have all rejoined their national squads soon after the conclusion of the club season.
Despite their advancing years, these players remain the heartbeat of their teams. “Their experience is priceless,” said a Belgian team spokesperson. “Their leadership could be the difference between qualifying and going home early.”
Tonight’s match in Oslo is more than just the start of Italy’s qualifying campaign; it’s a test of pride, mentality, and their ability to rise from past disappointments. For Donnarumma and the Azzurri, the mission is clear: stop Haaland, win the game, and begin the journey back to the World Cup.
