Italy expected to transform against Norway with 3-5-2 and Calafiori doubt

Gennaro Gattuso is set to transform his Italy side to face Norway on Sunday, returning to the 3-5-2 formation, as Riccardo Calafiori is the only major doubt.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 19.45 GMT.

This is the final game in Group I, but even if the Azzurri were to win their seventh game out of a total eight, it wouldn’t be enough to take top spot.

That’s because Norway have such an extraordinary goal different, it would require a 9-0 victory to turn this around.

With that in mind, Gattuso has already said he will rest Sandro Tonali, in order to avoid the risk of him picking up a yellow card and suspension for the World Cup play-off semi-final in March 2026.

After using the 4-4-2 formation in the 2-0 victory away to Moldova on Thursday, Gattuso should also return to the 3-5-2 system.

The major doubt is around Arsenal defender Calafiori, who was already out against Moldova with a hip issue and is still not back in full training today.

Having scored off the bench in Chisinau, Francesco Pio Esposito could step into the starting XI alongside Mateo Retegui.

Nicolò Barella was suspended against Moldova, but still wanted to be in the squad and sat in the stands to watch.

𝑭𝒐𝒄𝒖𝒔 🔥#Nazionale 🇮🇹 #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/rkt5xbc4Dq

— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) November 14, 2025

Italy probable (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Frattesi, Dimarco; Retegui, Pio Esposito