DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy looks dejected after Tim Kleindienst of Germany (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma admits he has ‘no explanation’ for Italy’s truly awful performance in the World Cup qualifier with Norway. ‘This is not what the fans deserve.’
It was the worst possible start to the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, as they were already 3-0 down at half-time in Oslo and it didn’t get any better.
This means Norway are running away with the top of Group I, having already won their two previous matches against Moldova and Israel.
Donnarumma bemused by Italy attitude
“I have no explanation right now. I am here only because I respect the media, but we must recognise this performance was not what the fans deserve,” Donnarumma told RAI Sport.
“We have to take a good look at ourselves and try to emerge from this hole all together.”
Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Norway 3-0 Italy
The Azzurri need to give a strong reaction in their second match, which will be on Monday evening against Moldova in Reggio Emilia.
“We must find the strength within ourselves, first and foremost. We are Italy, this sort of match is unacceptable. We’ve got to sit down, each of us admit our faults and then get out of it together.”
It was reminiscent of the performance that the Azzurri put in during the EURO 2024 debacle against Switzerland, when they lost 2-0 and provided practically no response.
This kind of mental fragility is something the Nazionale never had in the past, but is becoming increasingly commonplace and concerning.
Italy missed out on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but seem to already be heading for another play-off if they are to reach 2026.
Image:Getty
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