Italy host Norway in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match at San Siro on Sunday evening.
Italy sit second in the group standings, three points behind Norway, who also boast of a superior goal difference than them (+29 to +12).
Barring a catastrophic result against Italy, the Scandinavians have all but sealed their place in next year’s final.
Match preview
Italy beat Moldova 2-0 in their last game, with two late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito sealing their victory.
The Azzurri have looked rejuvenated under coach Gennaro Gattuso, winning all five games played so far under the 2006 World Cup winner.
Italy have missed the last two World Cup editions and now have to beat Norway 9-0 or qualify through play-offs to avoid a third consecutive absence.
Norway have been impeccable in this qualifying campaign, winning all seven games, including an impressive 3-0 win over the Azzurri in June.
They been imperious at both ends of the pitch, scoring a whopping 33 goals and conceding just four.
Mathematically, Norway can still miss out on automatic qualification, but given their substantial goal difference advantage, they have effectively secured their place in next year’s finals.
Head-to-head
Italy hold the edge, winning eight, drawing four and losing four of their previous meetings with Norway.
Team news
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is a major doubt for Italy, while Sandro Tonali could miss out to avoid suspendion for the play-offs.
Norway will be without captain Martin Odegaard who is currently recovering from a knee injury.
Key players
Italy
Mateo Retegui: Leads the Azzurri squad for most goal involvements in this qualifying campaign.
Federico Dimarco: The Inter Milan defender has provided an assist in the last two games.
Norway
Erling Haaland: Leads the European qualifying scoring charts with 14 goals, seven more than closest challenger Memphis Depay.
Julian Ryerson: Norway will look to the Borussia Dortmund star for creativity in the absence of Odegaard.
Stats vs 11v11.com & sofascore.com
