Luciano Spalletti confident in Italy’s quest for World Cup return

Italy coach Luciano Spalletti believes he has all the tools needed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. PHOTO: REUTERS

UPDATED Jun 05, 2025, 12:33 PM

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OSLO – Italy manager Luciano Spalletti is framing the June 6 clash in Norway as a decisive moment in their 2026 World Cup qualification and says his side are fully equipped to deliver.

The Azzurri begin their qualifying campaign in Group I in Oslo against hosts off to a flying start with six points from two matches and nine goals scored.

Four-time World Cup champions Italy have failed to reach the World Cup Finals since 2014, and are only now beginning their qualifiers after competing in the Nations League quarter-finals in March, where they lost to Germany.

“Let’s be clear – in Norway, everything is on the line when it comes to whether or not we’ll qualify for the World Cup,” Spalletti told reporters.

“We have a duty to fulfil this task that’s been entrusted to us. We need to qualify because it’s absolutely crucial for us. As for us, we have everything we need to play our game. We have all the potential for a great match, and that’s exactly what we intend to put into practice.”

He will not have Inter Milan’s Francesco Acerbi, however.

The veteran defender withdrew from the squad on June 1, the day after his club’s loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, citing a lack of respect from Spalletti.

Acerbi has not played for Italy since November 2023, but after his recent exploits with Inter – where he scored an equaliser in their semi-final with Barcelona – Spalletti named him in his squad.

The 37-year-old’s announcement comes immediately following Inter’s 5-0 loss in Munich, but Acerbi, who spoke with Spalletti on the morning of June 1, said the defeat had nothing to do with his decision.

“I felt that, in light of recent events, the conditions to continue this path peacefully do not exist today,” he said in a social media post.

“I don’t seek alibis or favours, I demand respect. And if this respect is lacking on the part of those who should lead a group, then I prefer to step aside. I’ve always given everything, but I don’t stay where I’m no longer really wanted and it’s clear that I’m not part of the manager’s project.”

Norway coach Stale Solbakken, meanwhile, do not fear Italy after his team’s impressive start.

“I’m not sure they’re the favourites. For me, it’s more of a 50–50 match on our home ground,” he said.

“The most important thing for us is that we are ourselves.”

The 2026 World Cup will take place in Canada, Mexico, and the United States from June 11 to July 19. REUTERS

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