Gianluigi Donnarumma concedes that Italy ‘stopped enjoying within the second half’ and it’s ‘unacceptable that we completely lose confidence’ in
The Azzurri knew that snatching first place in Group I used to be virtually not possible, as it could’ve required a 9-0 win to make up the huge hole in objective distinction.
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Francesco Pio Esposito had opened the scoring in a powerful first half, however Norway got here flying again to win 4-1 at San Siro with Antonio Nusa, an Erling Haaland brace within the area of two minutes, and Jorgen Strand Larsen in stoppages.
Donnarumma acknowledges Italy errors
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates after scoring his group’s second objective in the course of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
“We shouldn’t have conceded the third objective, the fourth was on the 93rd minute, however the huge downside was that we stopped enjoying within the second half,”
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“It was a very totally different match within the first half, we by no means allow them to out of their very own half. We’ve acquired to try this for 95 minutes quite than 45, that’s for certain.
“It’s a painful defeat, however we’ve acquired to carry our heads up, as a result of it’s all at stake in March with these two video games. We should rediscover our confidence and self-belief, and I’m certain thanks additionally to our coach that we are going to do it.”
Gennaro Gattuso and Manuel Locatelli each used the identical phrase to explain Italy’s mentality, which was ‘fragile.’ What’s inflicting this weak point of character?
“I don’t know, it’s a query we ask ourselves,” replied Donnarumma.
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“An opportunity can occur in opposition to an incredible aspect like Norway, however it’s not attainable that you just simply collapse, completely lose confidence, completely lose management of the sport. That’s not acceptable.
“We definitely want to enhance in that, take heed to the coach, preserve working, and once we concede a objective, we’ve acquired to maintain our heads within the recreation. Towards a group like Norway, you may have 5-10 minutes below stress, however we’ve acquired to do it collectively as a group and get by means of it.”
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gamers of Italy together with Gianluigi Donnarumma sing the nationwide anthem previous to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
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Does the captain have a message for the Azzurri followers after this humiliating setback?
“I’m upset and disenchanted, identical to I’m certain they’re. We apologise to the supporters, as a result of there have been so many tonight displaying their ardour. All I can say is that we want them in March, to remain collectively and expertise the sport as one, as a result of the followers are too necessary for us,” concluded Donnarumma.
“These have been two utterly totally different halves tonight and we can not permit that.”
They’ll now put together for the draw to see who they’ll play within the World Cup play-offs, with the semi-final on March 26 and last on March 31.