Ancelotti's Anti-Haaland Blueprint Wins Over Italian Press
As the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals loom, Italy's sports newspapers have thrown their weight behind national team coach Carlo Ancelotti and his defensive strategy to muzzle Norway's Erling Haaland. La Gazzetta dello Sport splashes with "The Haaland Trap," outlining how the Azzurri plan to deploy a high defensive line and aggressive man-marking on the Manchester City goal machine.
"Ancelotti has studied Haaland's movements for months. Italy will press high and force Norway's midfield to hit hopeful long balls, isolating their star forward," writes the pink paper's chief correspondent.
Corriere dello Sport echoes the confidence, headlining "We'll Turn Off the Giant," while Tuttosport focuses on the Azzurri's rejuvenated team spirit under the experienced tactician. The consensus is clear: if anyone can devise a plan to stop Haaland, it's Ancelotti.
Chalobah Intrigue: Milan and Juve on Alert
In transfer gossip, Corriere dello Sport dedicates significant column inches to Trevoh Chalobah. The Chelsea defender is said to be seeking a fresh start after limited opportunities under the Blues' new manager. The paper reports that AC Milan and Juventus are both keen on the versatile centre-back, who can also operate in midfield.
"Chalobah fits the profile perfectly for Milan's defensive rebuild, while Juve see him as a long-term replacement for aging stalwarts," writes the Rome-based newspaper.
Talks are reportedly at an early stage, but Chelsea could demand a fee in the region of €30 million. With the Premier League club already active in the market, a sale might be sanctioned to balance the books.
Mbappé's Spot-Kick Keeps France Dream Alive
Elsewhere, La Gazzetta dello Sport also glances at the rest of the World Cup, highlighting Kylian Mbappé's decisive penalty that saw France edge past Paraguay. "Mbappé won't let Messi go," reads the front-page teaser, referencing the Paris Saint-Germain superstar's determination to rival Lionel Messi's legacy on the global stage. The 1-0 victory, secured in a tense match marred by Paraguayan gamesmanship, sends Les Bleus into the last eight in the USA-hosted tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Ancelotti's Italy gear up for Norway: Italian press believes the coach has the tactical solution to nullify Erling Haaland.
- Chalobah on the move? Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus circle the Chelsea defender.
- Mbappé steps up: A coolly taken penalty keeps France in contention at World Cup 2026.
- World Cup fever grips Italy: Despite a tough draw, optimism surges ahead of the Azzurri's quarter-final.
Quick Facts
World Cup Quarter-Final: Italy vs. Norway, July 6, 2026 (kick-off 22:00 CEST)
Haaland's tournament goals: 5 in 4 matches
Chalobah's potential fee: €30m
Mbappé's World Cup 2026 tally: 4 goals (including the penalty vs. Paraguay)