Norway dismantles Italy in crushing 4–1 defeat
Is Italy truly inferior to Norway now? Before kickoff, some fans might still have hesitated. But after a humiliating 1–4 home defeat, the answer has become painfully clear. Gennaro Gattuso, who spent days complaining about the qualification format, could only offer an awkward apology afterward.
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Gattuso complains about system and misfires badly
In his pre match remarks, Gattuso targeted the qualification rules, saying South America had six automatic spots and another for playoffs, while Europe suffered from unfair limits. But he even misquoted facts: Africa had three representatives in 1994, not two, and now has nine, not eight.
His inaccurate statements, aimed at saving Italy’s face, only backfired. Even with Europe’s spots expanded from 13 to 16, Italy still finds ways to struggle—a growing concern among 12BET Malaysia followers.
Gattuso offends Italian fans with exaggerated claims
During the match away to Moldova, small groups of extreme supporters protested. Gattuso later claimed he heard insults and curses, escalating the conflict with his own fans. Meanwhile, over 60,000 supporters braved heavy rain to support Italy at the San Siro. By accusing fans of “shameful behavior,” Gattuso ironically stripped away his own dignity.
Tactical confusion leads to brutal exposure
From Spalletti to Gattuso, Italy’s aura from Euro 2021 has been completely dismantled. Losing 1–4 at home and 1–7 over two legs to Norway is beyond unacceptable.
Italy’s first half looked decent only because Norway approached the match conservatively, protecting a massive goal difference advantage. Gattuso’s system relies heavily on two strikers—Kean and Retegui. Without them, Italy struggles to produce anything meaningful.
Young forward Pio Esposito scored his first Italy goal tonight, but he cannot carry this team alone, a fact clear to anyone analyzing the match on 12BET Malaysia.
Haaland dominates as Norway secures World Cup return
Asked before the match whether he knew Pio Esposito, Erling Haaland joked he didn’t. After tonight, he surely remembers—but Haaland still stole the show.
With two goals, Haaland led Norway to their first World Cup since 1998 and completed personal revenge for his father, who was eliminated by Italy decades ago. 12BET Malaysia bettors saw a superstar in total control.
Gattuso loses tactical direction in six matches
Gattuso’s entire six match plan revolved around goal difference. Yet Italy still finished 23 goals short of Norway. In desperation, he used an extreme 4–2–4 against Moldova to “chase goals,” a setup he never dared use against stronger sides—raising further doubts about his confidence and long term planning.
He switched repeatedly between back three and back four systems, never settling on a stable identity. Now, Italy heads into the playoffs “barefoot,” unprepared and unconvincing.
Playoff survival becomes a major doubt
Based on current form, Italy’s ability to survive the playoffs is uncertain. Even if they qualify, what version of Italy would appear at the World Cup?
Potential playoff opponents include Sweden, Scotland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Ireland and Albania—teams across multiple tiers. Italy has no guarantee of beating any of them, a worrying sign for observers on 12BET Malaysia.
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