Norway vs Italy prediction, H2H and probable line-ups - June 6, 2025
On June 6, 2025, Oslo will host a crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier as Norway take on Italy. Here's my tip for goals in this encounter.
Preview
Both teams are part of Group I, which also features Israel, Estonia, and Moldova. The group winner earns a direct ticket to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, while the runner-up heads to the playoffs.
Norway have already played two qualifiers, picking up six points and netting nine goals. Ståle Solbakken’s side play attacking football, relying on their star trio: Erling Haaland, Alexander Sørloth, and Martin Ødegaard. In the previous Nations League campaign, the Norwegians won their group in League B and earned promotion to League A, underlining their progress and ambition.
For Italy, the match in Oslo marks their qualifying opener, as they were involved in the Nations League playoffs back in March. In the quarter-finals, the Azzurri lost to a powerful Germany side—beaten 2-1 at home before a thrilling 3-3 draw away. Under Luciano Spalletti, the Azzurri are desperate to return to the world stage after missing the last two World Cups. However, their preparations have been clouded by controversy: veteran Francesco Acerbi left the squad, citing a lack of respect from the coach.
Italy’s squad remains highly competitive. In goal is PSG’s recent Champions League winner Gianluigi Donnarumma; in midfield, the ever-reliable Nicolò Barella; and up front, the rapidly improving Moise Kean. Alessandro Bastoni, who has previously managed to neutralize Haaland in Champions League clashes, anchors the defense—a potentially decisive asset in Oslo.
The all-time head-to-head between Norway and Italy stands at 15 matches: 8 wins for Italy, 4 draws, and 3 victories for Norway. Their last meeting was in October 2015, when Italy edged it 2-1. Still, Norway’s current form and home advantage make this upcoming clash especially intriguing.
Both sides fully grasp the stakes. For Norway, a win would solidify their group lead and bring them closer to a long-awaited World Cup return. For Italy, it’s a chance to start qualifying with a statement victory and prove they’re ready to put past disappointments behind them.
Probable line-ups
- Norway: Nylund, Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Wold, Ødegaard, S. Berg, P. Berg, Schjelderup, Haaland, Sørloth
- Italy: Donnarumma, Gatti, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Cambiaso, Barella, Rovella, Tonali, Udogie, Kean, Raspadori
Match facts and H2H
- Norway are unbeaten at home in their last 5 matches, with 4 wins and 1 draw in that span.
- Over their last 4 games, the Norwegians have scored 18 goals, conceding just 3.
- Statistically, Italy perform better away than at home. Their last 4 away fixtures: unbeaten with 3 wins and 1 draw.
Prediction
Norway are in fantastic form, scoring freely and playing at home. Italy, meanwhile, are famous for their resilience, as shown in their recent 3-3 draw against Germany in Dortmund. Both teams boast potent attacks and somewhat vulnerable defenses, so the "both teams to score" bet at 1.64 looks like a very reasonable pick.
