{"id":287797,"date":"2025-11-17T00:43:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T00:43:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/287797\/"},"modified":"2025-11-17T00:43:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T00:43:11","slug":"donnarumma-blasts-unacceptable-italy-4-1-loss-to-norway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/287797\/","title":{"rendered":"Donnarumma blasts ‘unacceptable’ Italy 4-1 loss to Norway"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MILAN,<\/p>\n

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Italy warms up prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Gianluigi Donnarumma concedes that Italy \u2018stopped playing in the second half\u2019 and it is \u2018unacceptable that we totally lose confidence\u2019 in the 4-1 defeat to Norway.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Azzurri knew that snatching first place in Group I was practically impossible, as it would\u2019ve required a 9-0 win to make up the massive gap in goal difference.<\/p>\n

Francesco Pio Esposito had opened the scoring in a strong first half, but Norway came flying back to win 4-1 at San Siro with Antonio Nusa, an Erling Haaland brace in the space of two minutes, and Jorgen Strand Larsen in stoppages.<\/p>\n

Donnarumma acknowledges Italy errors\"MILAN,MILAN, ITALY \u2013 NOVEMBER 16: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates after scoring his team\u2019s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cWe shouldn\u2019t have conceded the third goal, the fourth was at the 93rd minute, but the big problem was that we stopped playing in the second half,\u201d Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia and RAI Sport.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a totally different match in the first half, we never let them out of their own half. We\u2019ve got to do that for 95 minutes rather than 45, that is for sure.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a painful defeat, but we\u2019ve got to lift our heads up, because it is all at stake in March with those two games. We must rediscover our confidence and self-belief, and I am sure thanks also to our coach that we will do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gennaro Gattuso and Manuel Locatelli both used the same word to describe Italy\u2019s mentality, which was \u2018fragile.\u2019 What is causing this weakness of character?<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, it\u2019s a question we ask ourselves,\u201d replied Donnarumma.<\/p>\n

\u201cA chance can happen against a great side like Norway, but it is not possible that you just fall apart, totally lose confidence, totally lose control of the game. That is not acceptable.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe certainly need to improve in that, listen to the coach, keep working, and when we concede a goal, we\u2019ve got to keep our heads in the game. Against a team like Norway, you can have 5-10 minutes under pressure, but we\u2019ve got to do it together as a team and get through it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"MILAN,MILAN, ITALY \u2013 NOVEMBER 16: Players of Italy including Gianluigi Donnarumma sing the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Does the captain have a message for the Azzurri fans after this humiliating setback?<\/p>\n

\u201cI am upset and disappointed, just like I\u2019m sure they are. We apologise to the supporters, because there were so many tonight showing their passion. All I can say is that we need them in March, to stay together and experience the game as one, because the fans are too important for us,\u201d concluded Donnarumma.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese were two completely different halves tonight and we cannot allow that.\u201d<\/p>\n

They will now prepare for the draw on Thursday November 20<\/a> to see who they\u2019ll play in the World Cup play-offs, with the semi-final on March 26 and final on March 31.<\/p>\n


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