It’s official: Italy suffers a heavy home defeat against Norway, losing 1-4 at San Siro, and will be forced to navigate the playoffs once more to try and secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup. Norway, meanwhile, clinched direct qualification by winning their final group match.

Gennaro Gattuso’s Azzurri faced an almost impossible task: they needed to win by nine clear goals to overtake the Norwegians—a mission that was never realistic from the start.

Italy started brightly in the first half and took an early lead. In the 11th minute, Dimarco and Retegui broke through the Norwegian defence with a slick combination: the Inter winger delivered a perfect ball to Pio Esposito, who controlled, turned inside the box, and slotted home with precision.

The Azzurri continued to create chances: Retegui’s header from Dimarco’s cross narrowly grazed the post. Norway, in contrast, dropped deep and focused on containing the pressure, relying on patient defensive possession to maintain balance until halftime.

The second half saw a complete turnaround. Sorloth struck the side netting, and Ryerson came close to equalising with a diagonal shot that flashed past Donnarumma’s near post. In the 64th minute, Norway’s pressure paid off: Antonio Nusa scored a stunning right-footed strike into the top corner, leveling the score and turning the match on its head.

Norway kept the momentum: from a corner, Nusa volleyed, but Donnarumma produced a brilliant save. Shortly after, Nyland denied Dimarco’s volley, sending it out for a corner and keeping Italy from retaking the lead.

In the 77th minute, Norway completed the comeback: Erling Haaland finished a fine team move with a volley from Bobb’s perfect cross. Two minutes later, the Norwegians added a third: Bastoni lost possession, Thorsby played it into the centre, and Haaland scored again, taking his tally to 16 goals in 8 games and leading Norway to their first World Cup in 28 years, when his father Alf-Inge represented the team. In the final moments, Jørgen Larsen sealed the 4-1 victory, completing a memorable night for the Scandinavians.

For Italy, a new chapter begins: in three months, the playoffs will be their chance to fight for a place at the World Cup.

Pio Esposito

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