Italy must come through their March playoffs to prevent missing out on a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Norway secured their first World Cup berth since 1998 after Erling Haaland once again found the net in a dominant 4-1 victory over Italy on Sunday, confirming their place in next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Haaland delivered a crucial double within seconds at a rain-soaked San Siro, helping Norway finish Group I with a flawless 24 points from eight qualifiers.
Italy needed Norway to lose by at least nine goals to snatch the group’s sole automatic qualification spot, but Stale Solbakken’s men wrapped up their campaign in style before 70,000 spectators. Despite the historic achievement, Solbakken avoided making bold predictions about their prospects now that their 28-year drought is over.
“Let’s wait for the draw first… I haven’t even thought that far ahead. For me, tonight was about moving from 99 percent to 100 percent, and we’ve done that in the best way possible,” Solbakken said.
“Once we see the draw, then we can talk about expectations.”
Haaland’s father, Alf-Inge, was still part of the national team the last time Norway played at a World Cup 27 years ago—a tournament ultimately won by France under the influence of Zinedine Zidane.
The Manchester City forward, labeled a “goal machine” by Solbakken, will be one of the stars to watch in North America after scoring 16 goals in the qualifiers. The 25-year-old, averaging over a goal per match for club and country this season, was clinical with both chances that put Norway ahead and doubled the lead in the 78th and 79th minutes.
— Norway punish Italy —
Pio Esposito put Italy in front in the 11th minute, but after Antonio Nusa smashed in the equaliser in the 63rd minute, Norway took complete control. Jorgen Strand Larsen capped the night with a superb solo effort in stoppage time.
Italy now move into the March play-offs after finishing six points behind Norway, having lost both fixtures against Solbakken’s side. The Azzurri walked off the pitch to loud jeers from the few remaining home supporters.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso apologised to fans in a brief interview with RAI and admitted he was troubled by the team’s second-half collapse.
“It’s worrying—I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t bother me. Nights like this are easier to handle when the team stays united and improves daily,” Gattuso said.
“What concerns me is that we won’t meet again for another three months.”
Italy’s push for automatic qualification was already derailed in their opening match—a 3-0 loss to Norway that ended Luciano Spalletti’s tenure. Under Gattuso, their form has improved, but the squad lacks a player of Haaland’s calibre—a disappointing reality for a nation renowned for producing legendary footballers.
Italy failed to reach the previous two World Cups after shocking play-off losses to Sweden and North Macedonia, the latter defeat arriving less than a year after they won the Euro 2020 title.
