Key Takeaways:
- Norway defeated Italy 4-1 at the Giuseppe Meazza, clinching a perfect qualifying campaign and a place at their first World Cup since 1998
- Italy, finishing second, will face the play-offs for a third successive time, seeking to avoid missing a third World Cup in a row
- Erling Haaland scored twice in the space of seconds in the second half as Norway claimed their second three-goal victory over Italy in this qualifying cycle
Group I Qualification Decider: Key Moments
Norway produced an emphatic display at the Giuseppe Meazza to defeat Italy 4-1 in a crucial Group I qualifier, ensuring they finish top of the group with a flawless record and officially qualify for the upcoming World Cup. Norway’s qualification marks their first appearance at the tournament since France 1998, while Italy remain second and will once again face the pressure of the play-offs, a stage that proved their undoing in the last two editions since their last appearance at Brazil 2014.
Another Haaland double inspires a famous night for Norway in Italy 🇳🇴#WCQ pic.twitter.com/Jw0agPIh0C
— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) November 16, 2025
Heading into the fixture, the Azzurri faced an impossible task, requiring a nine-goal victory to leapfrog their Scandinavian opponents. Despite the long odds, Italy started brightly and took the lead in the 11th minute when Francesco Pio Esposito capitalised on good build-up play. Gennaro Gattuso’s side held their 1-0 lead into the interval, with Norway yet to threaten significantly.
Turning Points and Second-Half Surge
The dynamics changed dramatically after the break. Norway emerged with renewed vigour, creating multiple dangerous situations early in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute, as Antonio Nusa restored parity with a left-footed effort that took a deflection off Politano, wrong-footing Donnarumma.
Italy responded with chances of their own, but it was the introduction of Oscar Bobb that proved pivotal. In the 78th minute, Oscar Bobb set up Erling Haaland, who made it 2-1, before Haaland struck again just seconds later to widen Norway’s advantage to 3-1. In stoppage time, Jørgen Strand Larsen of Wolverhampton added a fourth, sealing Norway’s second three-goal triumph over the Italians during this qualifying cycle.
Play-off Implications for Italy
Italy’s second-place finish consigns them to the play-offs for a third consecutive campaign. Sixteen teams will enter the play-offs in March to determine the final four World Cup places, with the draw scheduled for Thursday. The Azzurri have earned the advantage of a top-seeded position, ensuring a home fixture against an opponent from the fourth pot in their first play-off tie. Should they prevail, Italy will compete in a final, with hosting rights to be drawn.
Gennaro Gattuso’s team lined up with three central defenders, while Norway deployed Alexander Sørloth in an unorthodox role as a right winger. The heavy rain did little to dampen the intensity early on; Italy’s Dimarco had the first sight of goal in the eighth minute, before providing the crucial assist for Pio Esposito’s opener. The home side nearly doubled their advantage in the 36th minute, but Pio Esposito missed the target with his attempt.
Gattuso’s animated touchline demeanour resulted in a yellow card after protesting a sideline foul awarded to Norway. After a measured first half, Norway accelerated following the break, ultimately overwhelming Italy in the closing stages.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Goalscorers |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | 1 | Francesco Pio Esposito (11’) |
| Norway | 4 | Antonio Nusa (63’), Erling Haaland (78’, 79’), Jørgen Strand Larsen (90+) |
What Lies Ahead
As Norway celebrate a landmark achievement, attention in Italy turns once again to the high-stakes play-off route. With sixteen teams contending for the remaining World Cup spots, the Azzurri must prevail in two single-elimination matches should they hope to end their World Cup exile.
