Juventus captain Manuel Locatelli admitted Italy have been fragile of their World Cup qualifier towards Norway, as they suffered one other embarrassing defeat by the hands of Erling Haaland and firm.
Heading to the ultimate group-stage spherical, the Azzurri knew totally nicely that solely a miracle would enable them to clinch the highest spot and ebook an automated place within the match. In spite of everything, they have been three factors behind the Scandinavians, who additionally had a 3-0 benefit within the double header.
However, the San Siro crowd was at the least hoping for a pride-restoring victory that would function a morale-booster forward of the play-offs in March.
Locatelli urges Italy to enhance after Norway beatdown
The Italians began on the suitable foot, taking an early lead via Francesco Pio Esposito. Nonetheless, a second-half onslaught from the Norwegians turned the end result upside-down and noticed them prevail by 4 objectives to 1, a lot to the dismay of the house supporters within the stands.
Locatelli was chosen because the holding midfielder in Gennaro Gattuso’s hybrid 3-5-2 formation and lasted 78 minutes. The Juventus skipper left the pitch between Norway’s second and third objectives (each scored by Haaland).
After the competition, the 27-year-old highlighted the group’s predominant weak point, whereas urging his compatriots to regroup and provides their all within the playoffs.
“Qualification was severely compromised in Oslo, however right this moment we had the potential to do higher,” stated Locatelli in his post-match interview by way of IlBianconero. “We tried to attain the second objective, however then we have been fragile, and that should not occur once more.”
“We have to perceive the place we went unsuitable, particularly within the moments after we wanted to be extra united. Now we’re ready for the draw and wish to arrive in March with renewed power.”
“Norway’s stage was excessive, however we undoubtedly wanted to do higher. We all know easy methods to take duty; we’ll need to do higher in March. This shouldn’t be our stage. We will and should do higher .”
Ought to Manuel Locatelli change his function?
For his half, Locatelli performed a strong match from a defensive perspective however was as soon as once more restricted in possession, failing to supply the required aptitude within the build-up
Like Juventus, Italy ought to think about discovering a extra attacking-minded Regista, and maybe entrust the previous Sassuolo star with a box-to-box function, the place his hard-working shows could be higher rewarded.
