Italy stumbled into the 2026 World Cup play-offs after a 4-1 defeat to Norway at San Siro, despite Francesco Pio Esposito’s opener, as Erling Haaland’s quick double secured Norway’s top spot.
Despite taking an early lead through Francesco Pio Esposito, Italy suffered a dramatic 4-1 home defeat to Norway—powered by an Erling Haaland brace—confirming that the Azzurri will head into the 2026 World Cup play-offs after Norway fully earned Group I’s top spot.
According to a report from Football Italia, Italy concluded their World Cup qualifying campaign by officially being relegated to the 2026 World Cup play-offs after suffering a devastating 4-1 comeback defeat to Norway at San Siro on November 16, 2025. Norway’s dominant performance ensured they earned Group I’s top spot.
The Azzurri initially took the lead in the 11th minute when Francesco Pio Esposito scored, firing in from seven yards after a defensive error was pounced on by Federico Dimarco.
Esposito’s goal was his third in five senior caps. However, the second half saw a complete reversal of fortunes, with Norway proving “how clinical they have been throughout this World Cup qualifying campaign.”
Norway equalized in the 63rd minute through Antonio Nusa, who smashed a ferocious left-foot finish into the near top corner. The pivotal moment came with two goals in the space of a minute from star striker Erling Haaland.
Haaland was left too much space to score a sensational volley on an Oscar Bobb cross in the 78th minute, and moments later, he registered a tap-in in the 79th minute following a giveaway from Alessandro Bastoni.
The humiliation was complete in the 93rd minute when substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen added the fourth goal.
The report notes that Italy knew they could not top the group, as they needed an “incredible 9-0 result.”
Norway finished the campaign with a 100 per cent record, scoring 37 goals and conceding only five in Group I.