Carnesecchi: ‘Italy want to prove defeat was a fluke, trust Donnarumma against Haaland’

Marco Carnesecchi admits Italy are already thinking about the World Cup play-offs, but want to ‘make a good impression’ against Norway and trust Gianluigi Donnarumma to neutralise Erling Haaland.

It kicks off at San Siro at 19.45 GMT.

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri had never won six games before in a World Cup qualifying group, yet know that even if they win this evening and catch Norway at the top on 21 points, it won’t be enough.

That is because they’d require a 9-0 result to overturn the massive gap in goal difference and take first place.

Carnesecchi tries to think positive

“We certainly want to put in a strong performance, to prove that what happened in Oslo was a fluke, and show what we are worth,” Atalanta goalkeeper Carnesecchi told Sky Sport Italia.

“It might not make a difference to the group, but we are all concentrated and ready to make a good impression with this shirt in this stadium. We can’t wait for it to start.”

Haaland is the danger man for Norway, having scored 14 goals in seven qualifying games, along with three assists.

Carnesecchi is on the bench this evening, as Haaland’s Manchester City teammate Donnarumma returns in goal, so how would he fare against the centre-forward?

“He is a top level striker, but we are well-prepared, our defensive movements have always been the strength of Italy, and with Gigio Donnarumma in goal too, we are more confident.”

Italy are therefore already preparing for the play-offs in March 2026, which will be split into a semi-final and a final, to secure their place at the World Cup.

“Our objective right now is getting to March in the best possible shape. It’s natural when the result doesn’t matter much that we will make different choices, but we want to keep the winning streak going,” concluded Carnesecchi.