Crisis Talks For Italy After Flop

Coach Spalletti cites 'lack of confidence' in 3-0 defeat by Norway, plans to speak to chief

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OSLO - Coach Luciano Spalletti admitted Italy are going through a difficult patch after their humbling 3-0 loss to hosts Norway, and said he would speak with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) about the situation.

The Azzurri have not reached a World Cup since 2014 - a painful drought for a nation that once stood proudly among football's elite with four world titles.

With an abysmal start to their latest qualifying campaign, after being dominated by Norway in Oslo on June 6, Spalletti is already under pressure.

His side were constantly punished by a Norwegian team who dominated on the counter-attack and they were clearly second best on a rainy night at Ullevaal Stadium.

"We need a bit more enthusiasm, as individuals. We need to add something more, otherwise something has got to change," the coach told reporters.

"This is not who we are, because in terms of individuals, we can do more, but you can also see this is a difficult moment. A few things did happen to us, but this is the squad I chose and will continue with."