Norway stage stunning comeback to thrash Italy 4-1

Norway secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a remarkable 4-1 victory over Italy at San Siro, despite an early lead from the hosts. The Azzurri started brightly, with Francesco Pio Esposito finding the net just 11 minutes into the match to give his team a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

However, the second half saw a complete turnaround. Antonio Nusa leveled the score for Norway in the 63rd minute before a quick-fire brace from star striker Erling Haaland in the 78th and 79th minutes put the visitors in control. Jørgen Strand Larsen added a fourth goal in stoppage time to seal the emphatic win.

The defeat means Italy finishes second in the group and will now face the uncertainty of the playoffs in March to qualify for the World Cup. Norway's victory ensures their direct qualification for the tournament for the first time since 1998.