Norway staged a stunning second-half comeback to defeat Italy 4-1 at San Siro, clinching direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Erling Haaland scored twice in the final stages, sealing top spot in Group I. Italy finished second and will enter the playoffs.
Italy dominated the first half of their crucial Group I qualifier against Norway on November 16, 2025, at San Siro in Milan, taking a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute. Francesco Pio Esposito scored after a combination play involving Federico Dimarco and Mateo Retegui, firing past Orjan Nyland. Italy created several chances through Dimarco's deliveries and Matteo Politano's crosses but couldn't extend their advantage.
Norway, trailing at halftime, transformed under coach Stale Solbakken. Alexander Sørloth went close twice early in the second half. The equalizer came in the 63rd minute when Sørloth released Antonio Nusa, who drove a shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma after a step-over from Sander Berge.
Italy lost control, and Haaland took over. In the 78th minute, he volleyed Oscar Bobb's cross for 2-1. Three minutes later, Morten Thorsby threaded a pass, and Haaland flicked in his 16th World Cup qualifying goal to make it 3-1. In stoppage time, Thorsby launched a counter, allowing substitute Jørgen Strand Larsen to slot home the fourth.
Norway won all eight group matches, finishing six points ahead of Italy, who had a 6-0-1 record entering the game. Haaland's brace highlighted Norway's 33 goals in qualifying, 14 from him. Italy, under Gennaro Gattuso after Luciano Spalletti's departure, must now navigate March 2026 playoffs for a finals spot.
Italy's starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni; Politano, Barella, Locatelli, Frattesi, Di Marco; Retegui, Esposito. Norway's: Nyland; Ryerson, Ajer, Heggem, Moller Wolfe; Thorstvedt, Berge, Berg; Nusa, Sorloth, Haaland.