Erling Haaland scored once again as Norway shocked Italy with a 3-0 victory in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match on Friday. The match took place at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo and marked Norway’s first win over Italy in 25 years.
The Manchester City striker struck just before half-time to seal the win. He latched onto a through ball from Martin Ødegaard, calmly rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, and tapped in Norway’s third goal of the evening. It was Haaland’s 41st goal in just 42 matches for Norway.
This result keeps Norway at the top of Group I with three wins in three games. The home crowd, including King Harald V of Norway, erupted in joy after the final whistle. It was a dominant performance from the hosts and a worrying sign for Italy, who failed to qualify for the last two World Cups.
Earlier in the match, Alexander Sørloth opened the scoring with a clever finish from a sharp pass by Antonio Nusa. Soon after, 20-year-old Nusa doubled the lead with a brilliant solo effort, beating two defenders and smashing the ball into the roof of the net.
Italy looked unorganised and lacked sharpness throughout the game. Several key players were missing due to injury. Defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Mattia Gabbia, midfielder Manuel Locatelli, and forward Moise Kean were all ruled out. Most notably, experienced centre-back Francesco Acerbi turned down his call-up.
Coach Luciano Spalletti was forced to use an experimental back three. Diego Coppola, playing in the centre of defence, struggled to deal with Norway’s pace and movement. The Italian defence simply could not contain Haaland and Nusa.
Italy’s attack also failed to impress. Serie A top scorer Mateo Retegui had a quiet night. With few chances created, the Azzurri never looked like making a comeback.
In the other Group I match, Israel beat Estonia 3-1 to move into second place behind Norway.
This defeat puts Italy under pressure once again. Only the group winners will qualify directly for the World Cup. The second-placed teams will enter the play-offs – a stage where Italy were knocked out by Sweden in 2018 and by North Macedonia in 2022.
Italy must bounce back quickly as they host Moldova in their next match on Monday. Norway, on the other hand, will aim to extend their perfect run when they face Estonia.
With Haaland in top form and the team growing in confidence, Norway fans are beginning to believe this could finally be their year.
