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.

Alexander Sorloth and Antonio Nusa put the hosts 2-0 up in Oslo before Arsenal playmaker Martin Odegaard set up Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to score a third – all before half-time.

Italy, who have failed to qualify for the past two World Cups, are fourth in Group I though they have played two games fewer than the teams above them because of their involvement in the Nations League.

Norway top the group on nine points, Israel are second on six points and Estonia are third on three points.

“I am the head of this group, it is a squad I chose and so I continue with them,” Spalletti told RAI Sport., external

“We need to improve in certain aspects, because we cannot give advantages to the opponents by gifting the ball.”

Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma said he had “no explanation”.

“Our supporters don’t deserve this kind of match,” said the Paris St-Germain goalkeeper. “We need to do some soul-searching. It’s unacceptable.”

Italy’s next game is against Moldova, who are bottom of their group with no points from two games, on Monday.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Spalletti said it was a “difficult moment”.

He added: “There are always worries, because after a performance like that, you clearly have to ask yourself questions and realise there are problems, but you have to face them, because there is no other possibility.”