Spalletti: ‘We were chosen to represent Italy’ in Norway for 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti hints at a surprising debut in defence against Norway in Italy’s opening World Cup qualifier and welcomes pressure. ‘It is good to think that we have a lot at stake. We were chosen for this game.’

It kicks off in Oslo on Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET).

This is the opening fixture for the Azzurri in the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup, followed by a game against Moldova on Monday, but Norway have already played and won two to go top of Group I.

“In a game of this level, there are no differences between the two teams, so it will always be a balanced match,” said Spalletti in his press conference.

His choices are extremely limited, as Moise Kean, Alessandro Buongiorno, Matteo Gabbia, Riccardo Calafiori and more all pulled out through injury.

“Clearly, at the end of the Serie A season, there are a few problems, but I cannot do my work when saying I am missing this or that player. I still have the opportunity to choose between many teams and we replaced them in the right way.”

Spalletti stands up for limited Italy squad

Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, interacts with Mateo Retegui of Italy after the team’s defeat in the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Spain and Italy at Arena AufSchalke on June 20, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

It was put to Spalletti by the local media that there are very few real star names in the current Italy squad.

“They can think what they like in Norway, we are focused on putting in a strong performance. Injuries happen, but we got to know some new players who can give us a hand in future.”

In his tenure, Spalletti went from admitting he put too much pressure on the players ahead of EURO 2024 to perhaps going too far the other way in the Nations League, so he continues trying to find that balance.

“You have to be both coach and psychologist, to make them reflect on how seductive it is to play a game like this, rather than something full of pressure and tension. We try to work on both aspects and the response has so far been the right one, you can see the players understand the importance of the match.

“It is good to think that we have a lot at stake. We were chosen for this game and that must allow us to float over all other thoughts.”

Spalletti plans change of Italy tactics

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 18: Head coach of Italy Luciano Spalletti speaks with Gianluigi Donnarumma before a Italy training session at Centro Sportivo Giulio Onesti on March 18, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

There are reports that Spalletti is planning to use a 3-4-2-1 formation with either Davide Frattesi or Sandro Tonali in a more advanced role behind the striker.

“I want to play all over the pitch, we must know when to press and when to sit back to soak up pressure with all the players. 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,” replied the coach.

“Norway will press and at times we need to hit it long. I will keep the decision over the support striker until tomorrow.”

PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Diego Coppola of Hellas Verona FC looks on during the Serie A match between Parma and Verona at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 15, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

The number of defenders who are unavailable means that Spalletti could give Hellas Verona centre-back Diego Coppola his senior Italy debut with the toughest job of all, marking Erling Haaland.

“Coppola is one of the Under-21 internationals we were observing, he is a very physical player, strong in the air. He is more of a man-marker, whose strength is constant focus. He has this belief and can be chosen for that role, just as there are a few other options too.

“Haaland’s statistics speak for themselves, but we are convinced that we have the qualities to play against him. We are convinced that we can do what we need to do.”

Inter wing-back Federico Dimarco is not 100 per cent fit after the Champions League Final, but his teammate Francesco Acerbi rejected the Italy call-up in a row with Spalletti.

“We are preparing for the game and we focus on that, not about those who turned down the call,” concluded the coach.