After leading at halftime, Italy lost in the last World Cup qualifier against Norway and had to go to the playoffs.
After the group stage, Italy has not yet qualified for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada and could still miss a World Cup finals for the third time in a row after 2018 and 2022.
The 1:4 (1:0) on Sunday (11/16/2025) in Milan against group winners Norway was the next disappointment for the “Squadra Azzurra” on the way to the World Cup.
With 18 points, Italy finished second in Group I behind the unbeaten Norwegians (24 points). This means that the four-time world champion has to get into the playoff tournament and win two more games in the semi-finals and final in order to book the World Cup ticket. The 16-team draw will take place on November 20th.
Italy took an early lead – and then nothing
Youngster Franceso Pio Esposito (11th minute) from Inter Milan gave Italy an early lead after a mistake in the Norwegian defense. Afterwards, national coach Gennaro Gattuso’s team played dominantly, at least in the first half, but without causing any permanent danger in front of the guests’ goal.
In the second half, coach Stale Solbakken’s visiting team was much more active, kept the ball away from the goal and made the game more open. Leipzig professional Antonio Nusa (63rd) achieved the deserved equalizer to make it 1-1 with an individual effort. And then “goal machine” Haaland secured the victory with a quick brace (78th, 79th) and his World Cup qualifying goals 15 and 16 as well as substitute Jörgen Stgarnd Larsen (90th + 3).
Norway, who had already won the first duel with Italy 3-0, remained unbeaten in the eighth game and earned their first World Cup qualification since 1998 and their fourth overall.