On the eve of Italy’s crucial World Cup 2026 qualifier against Norway, national team head coach Luciano Spalletti addressed the media in Oslo, urging his players to approach the match with determination and clarity of purpose.
“We know how much this game means”, said Spalletti. “It’s essential to approach it with the right mindset, without letting pressure get the better of us. We need to be aware of our value and step onto the pitch with purpose".
The coach continued: “We were chosen to play this match, and that alone should help us rise above any doubts. What matters is going out there with our heads held high and the right focus in our eyes. We’ll try to win it - just like Norway will".
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Spalletti also emphasized the need to balance mental composure with a sense of occasion: “You try to instill both things - the awareness of how exciting a match like this is, without letting it become a burden of pressure. That’s what we’ve worked on, and the response has been positive. You can tell the players understand just how important this game is".
