Norway`s national team manager Stale Solbakken has expressed mild surprise at two key selections made by Italy`s coach Luciano Spalletti for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifier match.
The game is set to take place at Oslo`s Ullevaal Stadium, with both teams eager to secure three points in their Group I campaign. Norway currently leads the group after winning their first two matches.
Solbakken acknowledged the importance of the fixture, stating, “It`s crucial for both teams to win. We`re facing a formidable opponent with an excellent coach, but we`re looking forward to the challenge despite its difficulty.”
The Norwegian manager was particularly taken aback by two of Spalletti`s choices for the starting lineup. “We were somewhat surprised to see Zappacosta as the right wing-back and Coppola in defense,” Solbakken revealed. “However, the rest of the team was as we anticipated.”
Davide Zappacosta, who plays regularly for Atalanta in Serie A and the Champions League, hasn`t represented Italy since September 2018. At nearly 33 years old, his selection marks a significant return to the national team.
Diego Coppola, on the other hand, is making his senior international debut following an impressive season with Hellas Verona.
Despite these unexpected choices, Solbakken remains confident in Italy`s overall strength. “Nine of their starting eleven are accustomed to playing together, so cohesion shouldn`t be an issue for them,” he noted.
As both teams prepare for this crucial qualifier, all eyes will be on how these selection decisions impact the match`s outcome.