One thing is certain: when Italy’s adventure in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers begins in June, they’ll already be playing catch-up. Unable to come back against Germany in the return leg of the Nations League quarter-finals, the Azzurri will automatically find themselves in Group I, the group of Erling Haaland’s fearsome Norway.
Which, as was to be expected, got off to a good start: on Saturday the Scandinavians enjoyed themselves, starting with a 5-0 win over Moldova. The Manchester City striker obviously scored, but he wasn’t the only one as five different players found the net. In addition to Haaland, Ryerson, Aasgaard, Sorloth and Donnum also scored. Norway started 2025 the same way they ended 2024: in the last Nations League group stage match last November, Stale Solbakken’s men thrashed Kazakhstan 5-0, a victory that earned them promotion to League A at the expense of Austria. These are important signs from a national team that has talent to spare, especially from the midfield up, and that absolutely does not want to miss out on qualifying for a major international tournament for the umpteenth time.
Norway, watch out for Gloukh
On the second day, Haaland and his teammates will make sure they keep the full points in the match against Israel, which for obvious reasons will be played at the neutral ground in Debrecen, Hungary.
The Israelis also made a winning start, but it wasn’t a walk in the park against Estonia, beaten 2-1 after coming from behind. Ben Simon’s team – which Italy have already faced in the Nations League group stage – could have won by a wider margin, but instead the many mistakes in front of the goal helped keep the Baltic team in the game. The best player on the pitch, as usual, was the talented Salzburg player Gloukh, who has already been targeted by clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal and to whom Norway will have to pay close attention.
Odds comparison
Norway’s victory is quoted at 1.60 on Goldbet and Lottomatica and at 1.63 on Snai. The “Over 2.5” sign is quoted at 1.70 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and Snai.
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The prediction
Israel vs Norway could already be a direct clash for second place. The Scandinavians are favorites but I have a feeling that the match in Debrecen will be closer than expected, with both teams likely to find the back of the net.
The probable Israel-Norway line-ups
ISRAEL (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Dasa, Nachmias, Shlomo, Revivo; Jaber, Abu Fani; Biton, Gloukh, Solomon; David.
NORWAY (4-3-3): Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Donnum; Odegaard, Berge, Aasgaard; Sorloth, Haaland, Schjelderup.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2