Introduction to the Big Match
Italy begin their World Cup qualification campaign on Friday with ground to make up on Norway, who are the early leaders in Group I. Erling Haaland and co. would take another step closer to the tournament with a win here. Italy have improved in recent months, though, and they are the favourites to triumph at the Ullevaal Stadion.
Norway vs Italy Best Bets and Odds
Find the latest Norway vs Italy betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change.
Predictions for the Match
Italy won the European Championship as recently as four years ago, but that success in 2021 did not exactly kick off an era of Azzurri dominance. Italy failed to qualify for the Qatar World Cup just 18 months later, while they were very disappointing at Euro 2024 in Germany. Luciano Spalletti’s side scraped into the knockout phase last summer before being roundly beaten by Switzerland in the last 16.
Recent Performance of Italy
The mood has improved over the last 12 months, though. Italy gave a spirited showing in the Nations League, finishing just a point behind France in their group. That was enough for them to advance to the quarter-finals, where Italy were edged out 5-4 on aggregate by Germany. They may ultimately have been second best after 180 minutes, but Spalletti’s side demonstrated an ability to hang with one of the strongest national teams in the world.
The Road to World Cup Qualification
Attention now turns to World Cup qualification. Astonishingly, Italy have not participated in the biggest football event on the planet since 2014. Even more remarkably, they have won only one World Cup match since the 2006 final. Italy are desperate to make up for their poor recent record, but first they must book a place at the expanded event. Because of their involvement in the Nations League quarter-finals in March, Italy are yet to begin their World Cup qualification campaign. Norway, their opponents on Friday, have already played twice and won twice.
Pressure on Italy
That puts some pressure on Italy ahead of this trip to Oslo. Were they to lose, they would already be nine points behind Norway with only one team in Group I qualifying automatically. Italy would still have two games in hand and none of Israel, Estonia nor Moldova is likely to cause them too many problems, but it would still leave the Azzurri with minimal margin for error. “In a game of this level, there are no differences between the two teams, so it will always be a balanced match,” Spaletti said in his pre-match press conference. “The essential thing is to go out there with heads held high and the right look in our eyes. We will try to win, which I imagine Norway will do as well.”
Norway vs Italy Betting Tips
Norway and Italy are preparing to lock horns in an important World Cup qualifier on Friday. With the likes of Erling Haaland, Alexander Sorloth and Martin Odegaard at their disposal, Norway really ought to have qualified for a 24-team Euro 2024. There will be fewer European teams than that at the World Cup next year, but Norway are targeting qualification for the first time since 1998.
Tip 1: Norway to Win
The presence in their side of Odegaard and Haaland makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone, not least an Italy team that is missing some important players. Riccardo Calafiori and Manuel Locatelli are among the injured absentees, while Francesco Acerbi dramatically turned down a call-up after accusing Spalletti of disrespecting him. All the ingredients are there for a Norway victory. Tip Norway to win at 15/8 with SBK.
Tip 2: Over 2.5 Goals
With Italy forced to use a patched-up backline, Spalletti may conclude that attack is the best form of defence on Friday. Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui both enjoyed fine seasons in Serie A and there is a chance they will start up front together here. Even if Spalletti leaves one of the two strikers on the bench, the deputy has the potential to be a game-changing substitute. Norway should also pack a punch in attack with Sorloth and Haaland being supported by Odegaard. Choose over 2.5 goals at 8/11 with Spreadex.
Tip 3: Erling Haaland to Score Any Time
By his own high standards, Haaland is coming off a season that was not among the best of his career to date. Yet the Manchester City frontman still plundered 31 goals in all competitions, a tally that most strikers can only dream about. Haaland’s record for his country is phenomenal. With 40 goals in 41 senior caps, he is already Norway’s all-time leading scorer at the age of 24. Haaland can add another strike to his tally at the Ullevaal Stadion as Norway attempt to take another step closer to the World Cup by beating Italy for the first time since 2000. Select Erling Haaland to score any time at 5/4 with Tote.
How to Watch Norway vs Italy
- Location: Ullevaal Stadium, Oslo, Norway.
- Date and time: Friday 6th June, 7.45pm.
- How to watch: Amazon Prime Video.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norway vs Italy is a crucial World Cup qualifier that promises to be an exciting match. With Norway’s strong attack and Italy’s improved recent performance, this game has the potential to be a thriller. By following the betting tips and odds provided, fans can make informed decisions about their bets. Remember to always gamble responsibly and within your means. The match will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, so be sure to tune in to catch all the action.
