Norway Stun Italy 4-1 In Milan To Secure World Cup 2026 Qualification
Norway produced one of the most significant results in their modern football history with a stunning 4-1 win over Italy on 16 November 2025 at the San Siro Stadium in Milan. The victory not only completed their perfect qualification campaign but also secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy, who started the match confidently and scored first, collapsed in the second half. Norway’s intensity, counter-attacking precision and clinical finishing overwhelmed the hosts, leading to a remarkable turnaround.
Italy Take Early Control Through Francesco Pio Esposito
Italy opened the match with strong intent. They pressed high, controlled possession and looked dangerous in the final third. Their aggressive start was rewarded early when Francesco Pio Esposito converted from close range in the 10th-11th minute. Italy’s early lead created a strong atmosphere inside the San Siro and put pressure on Norway to respond.
Throughout the first half, Italy appeared in control. They circulated the ball well, won midfield duels and created several half-chances. Norway struggled to build attacks, often forced into playing long balls or defending deep.
Despite Italy’s dominance, they failed to extend their advantage. Norway stayed composed defensively and avoided conceding a second goal before half-time. The teams entered the break with Italy leading 1-0, but the match still open.
Norway Start the Second Half Strong and Grow in Confidence
The momentum shifted dramatically after the interval. Norway emerged with more purpose and were quicker in their transitions. Their pressing became more coordinated, and they created better attacking situations.
The breakthrough came around the 63rd minute, when Antonio Nusa produced a powerful finish from inside the box to bring Norway level at 1-1. The equaliser changed the tone of the game entirely. Italy, who had controlled the early stages, suddenly appeared unsettled and struggled to regain their rhythm.
Nusa’s goal injected belief into the Norwegian side. Their midfield pushed higher, their full-backs advanced with confidence and Italy’s defence started to show signs of vulnerability.
Erling Haaland Takes Over as Norway Expose Italy’s Defence
Norway’s pressure intensified as the match progressed. In the 78th minute, the game turned decisively. Erling Haaland struck with a superb volley after a well-constructed move down the left side. His finish gave Norway a 2-1 lead and stunned the Italian crowd.
Barely a minute later, Haaland scored again. With Italy reeling, Norway capitalised on another defensive lapse, and Haaland’s instinctive movement and finishing ability made it 3-1. His quickfire double transformed the match, showcasing his world-class presence in decisive moments.
Italy attempted to push forward in search of a response, but their defence lacked structure and their midfield lost control. Norway, now playing with freedom and energy, looked threatening every time they went forward.
Jørgen Strand Larsen Completes the Rout in Stoppage Time
As the match entered stoppage time, Norway added the final goal. Jørgen Strand Larsen completed the scoring to make it 4-1, finishing off a late move that reflected Norway’s dominance in the second half.
The final whistle confirmed Norway’s victory, one of the most impressive away wins in their qualifying history. The players celebrated an emotional moment, knowing they had secured a perfect qualifying campaign and a return to the world stage.
Key Performers and Match Influencers
Erling Haaland
Haaland’s two goals were decisive and showcased his ability to change a match instantly. His movement, finishing and physical presence destabilised Italy’s defensive line. His performance capped a strong qualifying campaign, reinforcing his status as one of the world’s most influential forwards.
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Antonio Nusa
Nusa’s equalising goal was a turning point. His energy, dribbling and confidence set the tone for Norway’s resurgence in the second half.
Francesco Pio Esposito
Esposito gave Italy hope early with a composed finish. He worked hard off the ball and looked promising, but Italy’s collapse overshadowed his contributions.
Norway’s Defensive Unit
Norway’s back line weathered Italy’s early storm and remained disciplined. Their positioning, physical presence and decision-making improved as the match progressed.
Italy’s Collective Struggles
Italy began the match strongly but crumbled once Norway equalised. Their defence lost shape, their midfield lost control and their attack lacked spark in the second half.
Tactical Analysis: How Norway Outclassed Italy After the Break
Norway’s Adjustments
Norway made clear tactical changes in the second half. They pressed higher, attacked more aggressively down the flanks, and increased their tempo in transition. Their midfield became more proactive, winning second balls and pushing Italy deeper.
Their defensive organisation prevented Italy from creating clear chances after the break. This structure gave Norway the confidence to attack with width and numbers.
Italy’s Decline
After conceding the equaliser, Italy struggled to recover. Their passing became slower, and their forward movements predictable. Gaps began to appear between their midfield and defence, which Norway exploited effectively.
Italy also failed to deal with Norway’s pace and physicality in attack. Their defensive reactions were slow, and their shape disorganised.
Implications of the Result
For Norway
- They completed a perfect qualifying record, winning all their matches.
- They secured their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
- The team demonstrated growth, consistency and strong tactical identity.
- The performance of Haaland, Nusa and Larsen showed the strength of their attacking depth.
For Italy
- Italy must now enter the World Cup play-offs, making this another stressful qualification campaign.
- Defeat raises concerns about defensive organisation and consistency.
- A strong early performance collapsed under pressure, revealing issues with game management.
- The loss adds to the recent struggles of Italian football on the international stage.
Norway’s 4-1 victory over Italy in Milan was one of the standout results of the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Italy’s promising start faded as Norway produced a dominant second-half display led by Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland. The result sent Norway to the World Cup with momentum and belief, while Italy face yet another challenging route through the playoffs.
Norway’s resilience, tactical discipline and ruthlessness in attack defined the match. Italy, despite an early lead, will analyse this collapse carefully as they prepare for their decisive playoff fixtures.
FAQs
Q1. What was the final score of Norway vs Italy?
A. Norway defeated Italy 4-1.
Q2. Who scored for Norway?
A. Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland (two goals) and Jørgen Strand Larsen.
Q3. Who scored for Italy?
A. Francesco Pio Esposito scored Italy’s only goal.
Q4. Why was the match important?
A. Norway secured automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup, while Italy were sent into the play-offs.
Q5.Where was the match played?
A. The match took place at San Siro Stadium in Milan.
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