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.

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

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.