Luciano Spalletti’s job as head coach of the Italy national team is under an increased level of scrutiny following a disastrous 3-0 loss away against Norway in the first match of the 2026 World Cup

Luciano Spalletti succeeded Roberto Mancini as Italy manager in August 2023 Italy manager Luciano Spalletti said his side were in a "difficult moment" after a 3-0 defeat by Norway in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Norway stunned Italy with a 3-0 win on Friday, handing the visitors a humiliating start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma blasted his team's performance as "not acceptable' after a humbling 3-0 loss in Norway on Friday to begin their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Norway currently leads Group I, putting it in position to qualify directly to the World Cup, though there's a lot of time still left to go. Italy has yet to play a Group I match.

Italy's World Cup qualification campaign has barely begun and already the country is worried about the shocking possibility of failing to reach the final tournament for a third consecutive time after a humiliating defeat by Norway.