Tag: Italy

Gattuso apologises after Italy collapse against Haaland-inspired Norway

Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
November 2025

Italy’s World Cup hopes took another hit as they collapsed to a 4-1 defeat at San Siro after leading at half-time. Pio Esposito’s opener briefly raised belief they could chase an unlikely automatic spot, but Norway’s response killed any remaining optimism. Norway hit back through Antonio Nusa before Erling Haaland struck twice and Jorgen Strand Larsen added a ruthless fourth, exposing Italian fragility. Gennaro Gattuso admitted fear gripped his players after the break, while Gianluigi Donnarumma lamented Italy stopped playing with the intensity shown before half-time.

Haaland embraces heavy responsibility as Norway close in on first World Cup since 1998

Erling Haaland (Norway)
November 2025

Erling Haaland admitted he feels huge responsibility to deliver World Cup qualification for Norway after scoring 14 of their 33 goals in seven straight wins that have put Stale Solbakken’s side top of Group I and on the verge of a first finals since 1998. He recalled Norway’s last World Cup in the United States with his father Alf Inge Haaland involved and said returning there would be special motivation, vowing to give everything in Milan to finish the job and write new history for his country on the global stage.

Donnarumma Wins Yashin Trophy Before Man City Switch

Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City, ex-PSG)
September 2025

Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the Yashin Trophy after helping PSG to their quadruple before his summer move to Manchester City. The Italian dethroned Emiliano Martinez to become a two-time winner, having first lifted the award in 2021 after Italy’s Euro triumph. Donnarumma posted 17 clean sheets in 43 matches for PSG last season, before joining City. He has since started strongly in England, conceding just twice in three games, and impressed with a dominant display against Arsenal, showcasing his new accolade at the Etihad.

Gattuso hails Italy’s “craziest game” after 5-4 win

Gennaro Gattuso (Italy)
September 2025

Italy beat Israel 5-4 in a thrilling World Cup qualifier, with Tonali scoring a stoppage-time winner. Gattuso admitted it was the “craziest game” of his career, as Italy blew multiple leads before eventually securing vital points. Gattuso criticised Italy’s reckless attacking approach that allowed Israel to counter repeatedly. Despite the defensive lapses, the late winner boosted Italy to second in Group I, three points behind leaders Norway, reviving hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup play-offs.

Liverpool Defender Giovanni Leoni Earns First Italy Call-Up

Giovanni Leoni (Liverpool)
August 2025

Liverpool’s 18-year-old Giovanni Leoni received his first Italy call-up under Gennaro Gattuso, alongside Francesco Pio Esposito and Giovanni Fabbian. Italy face crucial qualifiers against Estonia and Israel as they bid to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup.
Leoni, signed from Parma earlier this summer, has yet to debut for Liverpool but impressed enough to earn selection. Gattuso, succeeding Luciano Spalletti, seeks to inject youth as Italy sit third in Group I, with little room for error.

Calafiori Returns to Arsenal After Knee Injury

Riccardo Calafiori, Italy & Arsenal
22 March 2025

Calafiori will miss Italy’s Nations League quarterfinal second leg vs. Germany after suffering a knee sprain in Thursday’s first leg. He has returned to Arsenal.
The 22-year-old slipped and injured his knee in added time of Italy’s 2-1 loss at San Siro. He has already missed nine Premier League games this season due to similar issues.

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