Norway coach Solbakken ‘a bit surprised’ by two big Italy decisions | OneFootball

Norway coach Stale Solbakken admits he was ‘a bit surprised’ by two of the choices Italy coach Luciano Spalletti made for tonight’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.

It kicks off at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri are in Group I along with Norway, Moldova, Estonia and Israel.

While this is the first match for the Nazionale, Norway have already played and won two games to top the group.

Norway can run away with World Cup group

LINZ, AUSTRIA – OCTOBER 13: Erling Haaland of Norway speaks with teammate Andreas Hanche-Olsen during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B3 match between Austria and Norway at Raiffeisen Arena on October 13, 2024 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

“It’s important to get three points for both teams,” Solbakken told RAI Sport in Oslo.

“It will probably be a tight game, we meet a very good side with a great coach. We look forward to it, but know it is going to be very difficult.”

Italy are missing several key players, especially in defence and attack, but the Norway manager admits there was one big decision that did surprise him.

“Maybe they are struggling with alternatives, but the starting XI is strong. We were a little bit surprised with Zappacosta on the right wing-back and Coppola in defence, but other than that it was the team we expected.

“Of the starting XI, nine of those are accustomed to playing together, so it is not going to be a problem for them.”

Davide Zappacosta of Atalanta BC is challenged by Tommaso Pobega of Bologna FC during the Coppa Italia, Quarter Final match between Atalanta BC and Bologna FC at Gewiss Stadium on February 04, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Zappacosta is a regular for Atalanta in Serie A and the Champions League, but has not played for Italy since a Nations League match against Poland in September 2018.

That is a gap of almost seven years for the veteran, who turns 33 next week.

As for Diego Coppola, he is making his senior international debut after a strong season at Hellas Verona.