A collapse that leaves Italy on the brink

Italy needed an impossible miracle — winning by more than nine goals — to secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, but what happened in Rome was even worse than expected. The Azzurra not only failed to win: they were dismantled 4-1 by an inspired Norway led by Erling Haaland.

An early goal from Pio Esposito offered a glimpse of hope, but Haaland’s brace and strikes from Antonio Nusa and Strand Larsen sealed a defeat that set every alarm off.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side was outplayed in intensity, finishing, and mentality — especially in a second half that left Italian supporters devastated.

Donnarumma steps up: “We apologize to the fans”

After the loss, Azzurra captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma took responsibility head-on.
“When Norway scored the 1-2, we completely collapsed, and this cannot happen again,” said the Manchester City keeper, visibly affected by the team’s collapse.

Donnarumma also sent a direct message to the tifosi:
“We apologize to the fans. We are disappointed and angry. We played a good first half, but the equalizer changed the match.”

His words reflected a shaken dressing room fully aware of the challenge ahead: a playoff in March where Italy will have to put everything on the line… once again.

Gattuso slams the table: “We can’t embarrass ourselves like this”

Head coach Gennaro Gattuso didn’t shy away from self-criticism either.
“We failed, but we need to reflect because we cannot embarrass ourselves at the first setback,” he admitted after the final whistle.

The manager acknowledged that the team fell far short and that words alone won’t fix anything:
“We have to prove it on the pitch, because this was a night no one deserved. We hope to give our fans something to celebrate.”

With March’s playoff as their only lifeline to avoid another World Cup disaster, Italy faces a path full of pressure, doubts, and the urgent need for answers.