Norway's growing prowess in football has become a hot topic among Italian commentators following Norway's impressive performance against Italy in the World Cup qualifiers, where they defeated the Italian team twice with a staggering aggregate score of 7-1. This unexpected outcome has led to discussions regarding the state of Italian football, particularly in light of recent international competitions. The Norwegian team, including the sensational Bodø/Glimt, further demonstrated their might by defeating the Italian giant Inter 3-1 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout stage.

The media in Italy is grappling with the notion of being outperformed by Norway in football, particularly given Italy's storied history and traditional dominance in the sport. An opinion piece in Gazzetta dello Sport highlights the pain of losing to a nation that has succeeded in Winter Olympics standings but has not historically been seen as competitive in football. Concerns are raised that Italy, with its four World Cup titles, is now struggling to match a Norwegian team that has made significant strides in recent competitions.

This situation not only highlights Norway’s rise in the football hierarchy but also emphasizes Italy's urgent need for reflection and potential reform within its football system. As Bodø/Glimt prepares for their upcoming match in Milan against Inter, the pressure mounts for Italy to reclaim its former glory and reassess its approach to the sport in the face of fierce competition from nations that, until recently, were not considered football powerhouses.