Italy vs Norway Predictions

• At least three goals have been scored in eight of Italy’s last 10 matches
• At least three goals have been scored in eight of Norway’s last nine competitive contests
• Italy need to win 9-0 to knock Norway out of the automatic qualifying spot
• Erling Haaland has scored in each of his last 10 appearances for Norway – 19 goals in total

Impossible ask for Azzurri

Italy have an impossible task to knock Norway out of the automatic qualifying berth in Group I – needing a nine-goal victory in Milan on Sunday. It’s simply not going to happen and so the question is how do the Azzurri salvage some pride and build momentum for next year’s play-offs?

Gennaro Gattuso’s side have to win and probably need to score a few goals to satisfy the Italian public, who have had to endure some shocking qualification failures in the last decade.

They warmed up for the clash with a 2-0 win over Chisinau in Moldova, which should have been more comfortable than the scoreline indicated. They created enough chances to win by five or six, but lack a clinical edge and found the home goalkeeper in good form.

Haaland’s record has reached crazy levels

They should carve out some chances to score against Stale Solbakken’s team, who are great going forward but can be prone to major lapses at the back. Leo Ostigard’s comical own goal in their 11-1 rout of Moldova is one such example.

Norway have some quality midfielders, wingers and a world class centre forward in Erling Haaland, but they lack an authoritative leader at the back. Haaland should scare the life out of Italy’s defenders too with his current goal record for club and country reaching unbelievable levels.

The Manchester City star has scored in his last 10 international appearances, 19 goals in total, and could add to his tally in Milan. Back over 2.5 goals as the main bet with Italy a play to sneak this 2-1 if they can muster something special in front of their home fans.