Italy's World Cup Journey

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What Happened Yesterday

Hello friends,

Yesterday Italy played Norway at home for World Cup qualifiers. The result was very bad - Italy lost 1-4.

I am not Italian but I love football and I feel sad for Italy. They should be in World Cup always.

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The Match Story

First Half - Good Start

Italy scored first. Esposito made goal in minute 11. At halftime Italy was winning 1-0. Everything look good.

Second Half - Complete Disaster

Then everything go wrong very fast:

• Minute 63: Norway scored (1-1)
• Minute 78: Haaland scored (1-2)
• Minute 79: Haaland scored again (1-3)
• Minute 90+3: Larsen scored (1-4)

Four goals in 30 minutes. Italy collapsed.

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The Numbers

This is what make it more sad:

• Italy had 58% ball possession
• Italy had 15 shots, Norway had 13 shots
• But Norway chances was better quality

Italy control the game but Norway was clinical. Haaland was too strong.

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Italy's Big Problem Now

Here is the worst part.

Norway finished first. They go to World Cup 2026 directly.

Italy finished second. They must play play-offs in March 2026.

Why This is Scary

Italy has bad history with play-offs:

• 2017: Lost to Sweden - missed World Cup 2018
• 2021: Lost to North Macedonia - missed World Cup 2022
• 2025: Must play play-offs again for World Cup 2026

Three times in row they must fight in play-offs. For a team that won World Cup 4 times, this is very sad.

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My Thoughts

It is sad we don't see Italy so much in World Cup anymore. A big country like Italy should be there always.

I am not Italian but I hope Italy can go back to his force. They have 4 months to prepare for play-offs. They must fix defense and find good striker.

Good luck Italy. I hope you break this bad cycle and qualify for World Cup.

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