Inter Milan Duo Under Fire For Poor Displays In Embarrassing Norway 3-0 Italy FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Originally posted on SempreInter.com | By Toni Weeler | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 6:40 AM ET

Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella have received criticism for their performances in yesterday’s Norway win over Italy.

Today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInterNews, give a poor appraisal of both Inter Milan players’ performances.

Italy got their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign off to the worst possible start.

The Azzurri were down 3-0 against Norway at halftime. This was the scoreline that the match ended with.

Yesterday’s result has immediately led to doubts about the future of Luciano Spalletti as Italy coach.

And worse than that, the doubts are immediately creeping in as to whether Italy could miss a third straight World Cup.

Bastoni & Barella Under Fire For Performances In Norway 3-0 Italy Loss

In the view of the Gazzetta, two Inter players were certainly among the culprits in Italy’s poor performance and loss.

Firstly, the newspaper identifies Alessandro Bastoni.

The 26-year-old very cheaply gave the ball to Norway winger Antonio Nusa for the counterattack on Norway’s opener. Then, he played striker Alexander Sorloth onside.

Meanwhile, on the whole the Gazzetta argue that Bastoni didn’t look comfortable defensively.

Meanwhile, the Gazzetta argue, Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella didn’t fare much better.

The newspaper contend that the 28-year-old looks like his head was still in Munich, where Inter lost the Champions League final 5-0 against Paris Saint-Germain.

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: