Dive into our expert insights on the highly anticipated clash between Norway and Italy, set for Friday at 2:45 PM EDT as they vie for a crucial win in the World Cup Qualifier on June 6.
🔥 Top Betting Tips for Norway vs Italy
- Italy to win @ +162 with bet365
- Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ +105 with bet365
- Goal before 28:00 @ -120 with bet365
Note: All odds are provided by bet365 and are correct at the time of writing, but they are subject to change.
🇮🇹 Italy: A Team on the Rise
Though **Italy** may no longer carry the same weight on the international stage, their resurgence under **Luciano Spalletti** is nothing short of electrifying. The coach has adopted an audacious style of play that veers away from the traditional defensive Italian approach.
Despite a setback against **Germany** in the Nations League quarter-finals, Italy recorded an impressive **four victories** in their last six Nations League matches. With the agony of missing the last World Cup still fresh, the Azzurri enter this qualifier with renewed determination.
Italy’s away record in World Cup qualifiers is formidable, boasting only **two losses** in their last **23 matches** since 2005, including **12 wins**. Even more encouraging, they have triumphed in **five of their last eight encounters** against Norway.
In contrast, Norway proves to be a tough opponent at home, yet their recent victories have come against teams far less competitive than Italy. Historically, they struggle when faced with more established footballing nations.
- Norway vs Italy Bet 1: Italy to win @ +162 with bet365
⚽ Expect Goals galore!
Bookmakers view this clash as closely contested, but there’s a mutual expectation of **plenty of goals**. Norway’s explosive form in the qualifiers is nothing short of shocking, having scored at least **five goals** in each of their opening matches.
Over the last five international outings, **Norway’s** matches have averaged an astounding **5.4 goals per game**, with both teams scoring in three of those fixtures. The two matches that ended goalless featured lower-ranked teams, highlighting the entertainment factor Norway brings to the pitch.
It’s hard to imagine a scenario where Norway manages to **shut out Italy**. Likewise, with stars like **Erling Haaland** leading the charge, the pressure will be on Italy’s defense. The Azzurri have also been fan favorites to watch lately, with **seven of their last eight matches** featuring goals from both sides, and all of those games surpassing **2.5 total goals**.
This setup promises an enthralling encounter!
- Norway vs Italy Bet 2: Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals @ +105 with bet365
⚡ Early Goals Expected!
Fasten your seatbelts! Both teams are likely to start strong, and statistical support suggests that an **early goal** is all but guaranteed.
Norway has witnessed goals in the first **15 minutes** of five out of their last seven internationals, with four of those being scored by Norway themselves. On the flip side, Italy’s games have shown a tendency for rapid scoring as well, with five of their last eight internationals featuring goals within the opening **15 minutes**. Remarkably, two of these early goals occurred in the first **60 seconds**!
- Norway vs Italy Bet 3: Goal before 28:00 @ -120 with bet365
📊 Analyzing Team Form
As the preparations for the **2026 World Cup** ramp up, **Norway** has already initiated their qualification campaign, while this will be Italy’s opening outing. It’s interesting to note that Norway hasn’t graced a World Cup finals since **1998**, whereas Italy, a historically dominant force in Europe, has notably missed the last two tournaments.
Norway’s qualification efforts kicked off in perfect fashion this past March with a comfortable victory over **Moldova and Israel**. However, facing Italy presents a significant test they have yet to encounter.
For Italy, the stakes are incredibly high. Missing the last two World Cups was unprecedented for such a storied football nation. They can’t afford a third failure, making this match not only promising but also pivotal for their aspirations.
👥 Predicted Lineups for Norway vs Italy
Norway Expected Lineup: Nyland, Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wolfe, Berg, Bergem, Odegaard, Thorsby, Sorloth, Haaland
Italy Expected Lineup: Donnarumma, Gatti, Bastoni, Cambiaso, Di Lorenzo, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco, Kean, Retegui
With both teams showcasing their strengths, this match not only holds significant ranking implications but promises a thrilling spectacle for football fans everywhere. Mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable showdown!