Italy host Norway in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the San Siro on Sunday evening.
They are three points behind group leaders Norway, who also boast a superior goal difference.
Barring a catastrophic result against Italy, the Scandinavians have all but sealed their place in next year’s tournament.
Match preview
Italy beat Moldova 2-0 in their last game, with two late goals from Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito sealing their victory.
The Azzurri have looked rejuvenated under Gennaro Gattuso, winning all five games since his appointment.
Italy have missed the last two World Cup editions and must beat Norway at least 9-0 or qualify through the play-offs to avoid a third consecutive absence.
Norway have been impeccable in this qualifying campaign, winning all seven games, including an impressive 3-0 win over the Azzurri in June.
They have been imperious at both ends of the pitch, scoring a whopping 33 goals and conceding just four.
Head-to-head
Italy hold the edge, winning eight, drawing four and losing four of their previous meetings with Norway.
Team news
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori is a major doubt for Italy, while Sandro Tonali could miss out to avoid suspension for the play-offs.
Norway will be without captain Martin Odegaard, who is currently recovering from a knee injury.
Key players
Italy
Mateo Retegui: Leads the Azzurri squad for most goal involvements in this qualifying campaign.
Federico Dimarco: The Inter Milan defender has provided an assist in the last two games.
Norway
Erling Braut Haaland: Leads the European qualifying scoring charts with 14 goals, six more than closest challenger Memphis Depay.
Julian Ryerson: Norway will look to the Borussia Dortmund star for creativity in Odegaard’s absence.
Stats vs 11v11.com & sofascore.com.
