BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: In this photo taken from a remote camera from behind the goal) Moise Kean of Italy scores his team’s a first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Italy World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta believes that Norway’s outstanding attacking performance has been the key factor setting them apart from the Azzurri in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Former Juventus, Barcelona and Milan star Zambrotta spoke to NRK ahead of Italy’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Norway on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t participate in the last two editions of the World Cup, and it’s a real shame,” Zamrbotta said via TMW.
Zambrotta: ‘Strange’ to see Italy out of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022
Former Italian international Gianluca Zambrotta arriving for the Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 in Milan, Italy, 23 September 2019. EPA-EFE/MATTEO BAZZI
“It’s strange to see a country like Italy, with its history and international successes, out of such an important competition.
“We should remember Italy won the Euros in 2021. At the same time, it’s true that it’s been too long since the Azzurri took part in such an important competition as the World Cup.”
Only a win with a nine-goal margin will allow the Azzurri to directly qualify for the World Cup this evening, and Zambrotta feels that one factor has clearly made the difference between the two Group I contenders.
One ‘difference’ between Italy and Norway in World Cup qualifiers
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy during the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“If you look at the numbers, the attack clearly makes a difference,” Zambrotta said.
“Norway are a team that create a lot and finalise their attacks with Erling Haaland as their most important reference point in attack.
OSLO, NORWAY – NOVEMBER 13: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Norway and Estonia at Ullevaal Stadion on November 13, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Marius Nordnes / Nordnes Foto/Getty Images)
“They are a young, attacking and dynamic team, with a solid defence. They don’t concede many goals, and that’s important. It’s a team I like, which have been playing excellent football in recent years.”
Italy have scored 20 goals in seven games in Group I, while Norway have netted 33 times and could set a new scoring record in this evening’s meeting with the Azzurri at San Siro.
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