Spalletti: ‘Coppola can stop Haaland’ in Norway vs. Italy

MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 20: Luciano Spalletti, Head Coach of Italy, applauds prior to the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Italy and Germany at Stadio San Siro on March 20, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Luciano Spalletti expects the Inter players who ‘give a reaction’ after their Coppa Campioni debacle, and insists Diego Coppola ‘has what it takes’ to stop Erling Haaland in Norway vs. Italy.

It kicks off at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri are in Group I along with Norway, Moldova, Estonia and Israel.

While this is the first match for the Nazionale, Norway have already played and won two games to top the group.

Spalletti backs Italy to impress in Oslo

“We have players who were in the Coppa Campioni Final, who won European trophies playing abroad, so we have plenty of individual quality, character and experience at this level,” Spalletti told RAI Sport.

There are two players in the starting XI who participated in the Coppa Campioni Final for Inter and were hammered 5-0 by Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Paris Saint-Germain, so what mood will they be in tonight?

“I expect them to give a reaction, the kind you see from strong players and people. The opportunity to get straight back on the pitch is a great advantage, because you don’t have to wait another two months before putting things right, that can be a very motivating factor,” noted Spalletti.

Giacomo Raspadori is chosen in support of Mateo Retegui in what could be a 3-5-2, or a 3-4-2-1 with Sandro Tonali in a more advanced role.

“Norway have two very tall central defenders, so the midfield will be the key to the match. With quality possession, we can create problems for them,” explained Spalletti.

“We tried to seek something to attack their defence and control the game. Raspadori is perfect for this.”

Verona defender Diego Coppola is thrown straight in at the deep end for his senior Italy debut, in a defence up against Manchester City star Erling Haaland.

“The lad is professional, determined to become a great player, he has several clubs already eyeing him up. He is tall and might look like someone who is just good in the air, but he is also good at covering distance.

“He has a great look in his eye, he’s tough, he has everything it takes to stop Haaland. He will have an important future ahead of him.”

Italy have had serious problems dealing with goals from set plays and dead ball situations in recent months, so they worked on that in training.

“We listen to the ideas of the players, including how to defend on set plays and throw-ins. We have Donnarumma, who is excellent at coming off his line, then Bastoni, Coppola and Di Lorenzo who are good in the air, Udogie who is physically strong, so we have what it takes to deal with any situation.

“After that, we just need to see if we can work together.”