Erling Haaland delivered a stunning two-minute brace to lead Norway to a commanding 4-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro, sealing their first World Cup qualification since 1998. The Manchester City striker was unstoppable, raising his tally to 16 goals in the group stage, a figure that ties the record previously held by Poland’s Robert Lewandowski.
Norway entered the match with confidence, knowing only a highly unlikely nine-goal swing could deny them the top spot in Group I. Instead of playing cautiously, they displayed bold, attacking football that overwhelmed the hosts. The victory not only confirmed their qualification but also boosted morale ahead of their long-awaited return to the world’s biggest stage.
Italy, meanwhile, faced familiar frustration. Their earlier 3-0 loss to Norway in June had cost Luciano Spalletti his job, and Gennaro Gattuso’s side once again struggled to keep up with Norway’s intensity. The defeat leaves Italy fighting for survival in the playoffs as pressure continues to mount.
Italy Starts Strong but Loses Control
The match began with Italy dominating possession and pushing high up the pitch. Federico Dimarco fired an early volley wide, and soon after, 20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito continued his promising rise by scoring a sharp turn-and-finish in the 11th minute. His confidence in front of the goal gave Italy hope for a much-needed victory.
Esposito nearly doubled his tally with a header, but clear chances quickly evaporated as the half progressed. Despite their strong start, Italy’s rhythm was disrupted by Norway’s physical pressing and quick transitions. Even Gattuso grew agitated, earning a yellow card for protesting a referee’s decision.
Norway remained composed, absorbing pressure and waiting for the right moment to strike. Their patience paid off after the break as their front line began to find space behind Italy’s defense.
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Norway’s Second-Half Revival
Norway returned from halftime with renewed energy. Alexander Sorloth came close with a powerful strike over the bar, while Julian Ryerson shot narrowly wide as momentum shifted. Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Sorloth played in Antonio Nusa, who dribbled into the box and unleashed a dipping shot past Gianluigi Donnarumma at the near post.
Nusa nearly doubled his tally moments later, only to be denied by Donnarumma after slipping behind the defense. Still, the equalizer changed the tempo of the match entirely, with Italy retreating and Norway pushing forward with confidence.
Haaland, tightly marked by Gianluca Mancini for most of the match, finally found the breakthrough. Substitute Oscar Bobb showcased brilliant footwork in the box and set up Haaland for a superb volley in the 78th minute, giving Norway the lead.
Haaland Finishes the Job as Italy Collapses
Just one minute after his first goal, Haaland struck again. This time, he arrived perfectly to tap in a low cross from Kristian Thorstvedt, completing a rapid-fire double that silenced the San Siro. The brace showcased Haaland’s elite instinct, power, and timing—qualities that have helped redefine Norwegian football.
Italy attempted to respond through Matteo Politano, who curled a shot narrowly wide, but their resistance had already faded. Norway maintained complete control of the match as the hosts struggled to regain composure.
In stoppage time, substitute Jorgen Strand Larsson added the final touch. Played down the right flank, he outpaced Mancini and bent a beautiful shot beyond Donnarumma to complete the 4-1 triumph. With that, Norway celebrated a historic night, while Italy left the pitch with more questions than answers. Stay tuned for the latest football news only at footballcoasters.co.uk.