Former Italian defender and current football pundit Daniele Adani has strongly criticized those who underestimate the Norwegian national team, calling them “idiots” in a passionate outburst during the latest episode of “Viva el Futbol.“
The discussion arose in the context of Italy’s upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final matches against Germany on March 20 and 23, 2025. The winner of this tie will be placed in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualification phase, while the loser will face Norway, Israel, Estonia, and Moldova in Group I.
Adani, known for his outspoken nature, didn’t hold back in his assessment of Norway’s strength and those who dismiss them as a threat. He stated, “Anyone who knows football knows that Norway is a strong team. Sorloth, Haaland, Odegaard… they’re not just good players, they’re phenomenal. We don’t have players like that, we don’t have a Haaland, we don’t have an Odegaard.”
The former Inter Milan player then directed his anger at critics who he believes are underestimating Norway’s potential: “Some idiot who doesn’t know how to do this job but has been earning from it for thirty years comes out and says ‘Are we now afraid of Norway?’ But idiot, let me tell you in Italian: Italy was eliminated by North Macedonia and Sweden.”
Adani continued his tirade, emphasizing the seriousness of facing Norway: “They reported it to me, and I have to call you by your real name, idiot. If you make this comment to go against us, you’re an idiot. But occasionally try to think that you’re not, make an effort and analyze football. If instead you’re upset because you haven’t studied it thoroughly, snubbing it, why do you have to say something untrue while feeling bad about it? In my opinion, Italy should beat Norway, but it’s tough. We’ve been knocked out by Macedonia and missed two World Cups.”
