Group I could closely concern Luciano Spalletti’s Italy, since if they are eliminated from the Nations League by Germany, the Azzurri would end up in this group. Obviously, the main threat in the race for first place – the only one that offers a direct pass to the World Cup – would be Norway, a team that can count on players of the caliber of Haaland, Odegaard and Sorloth, in short, people who have been playing at the highest levels in Europe for several seasons now.
However, we are talking about a national team that has not yet been able to show off its qualities. Although it had everything it needed to make a good impression at the big international events, Norway failed to qualify for both the last World Cup (2022) and the European Championship that took place last summer, “forcing” a champion like Haaland to “watch the event on TV”, as they say in these cases. To be honest, the Scandinavians haven’t played in the World Cup since 1998, and in the European Championship since 2000. Coach Stale Solbakken will try to avoid yet another flop, although with Germany and Italy around, it will be difficult to finish ahead of everyone.
Norway reborn in the Nations League
In the last Nations League, however, Norway gained a lot of confidence, deservedly winning their group in League B and earning promotion to League A. Haaland and his teammates, thanks to four wins and a draw in six games, finished ahead of the formidable Austria.
The first challenge in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is one that absolutely must not be missed, so as not to risk starting off on the wrong foot. Moldova, with all due respect, is not a team to be feared. In any case, Serghei Clescenco’s men did well in the Nations League, winning the League D group ahead of Andorra and Malta (two wins and one defeat), two teams of more or less the same level.
Odds comparison
The “Over 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.67 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.70 on Snai. The “Goal” sign is quoted at 2.40 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 2.50 on Snai.
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The prediction
Norway gave important signs in the last Nations League and should not make any mistakes in their debut with the team that in this group will probably fight with Estonia to avoid last place. The Scandinavians, who scored 15 goals in the 6 matches played between September and November, will most likely win by at least two goals.
The probable line-ups for Moldova-Norway
MOLDOVA (5-3-2): Celeadnic; Revenco, Craciun, Baboglo, Mudrac, Platica; Caimacov, Rata, Motpan; Postolachi, Nicolaescu.
NORWAY (4-3-3): Selvik; Pedersen, Ajer, Ostigard, Ryerson; Berg, Berge, Odegaard; Hauge, Haaland, Sorloth.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-3