Spalletti's side endured a poor start to its FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, after conceding three times during the first half in Oslo.

Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland were all on target for Norway, which is already nine points above Italy at the Group I summit, albeit having played two games more.

The four-time FIFA  World Cup winner has failed to qualify for the past two editions of the tournament, while it has now lost successive qualifiers for the first time in its history.

It is already a blow for the Azzurri, which only registered a single shot on target, with only the top team in each group qualifying directly for the finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"We conceded a first goal that was avoidable, then in the open spaces, they had a couple of individual moves that caused us problems," Spalletti said. "After that, it was all more difficult.

"After going 2-0 down, they sat back in their own half. It was difficult to find spaces, but above all, the lack of players who could take players on in one-on-one situations made the difference.

"I am the head of this group. We need to improve in certain aspects, because we cannot give advantages to opponents by gifting the ball.

"This is not who we are because, in terms of individuals, we can do more, but you can also see this is a difficult moment. This is the squad I chose and will continue with."

"I need to talk to [the FIGC president] about their intentions, their view on the decision I make," the Italy head coach continued.

"I chose this group because I thought there was quality, but if we are so fragile that we don't keep an offside trap, we don't chase down opponents, then there is a lack of confidence. Quality isn't enough without that.

"There are always worries, because after a performance like that, you clearly have to ask yourself questions and realise there are problems. But you have to face them, because there is no other possibility."