November 17, (THEWILL) — Norway clinched qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a remarkable 4-1 victory in Milan, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament. The result leaves Italy facing a playoff route and the prospect of missing their third successive World Cup finals.
Italy controlled the opening period and took the lead in the 11th minute when Francesco Esposito converted from Federico Dimarco’s pass, turning sharply before beating Orjan Nyland. The hosts dominated possession and created further opportunities, though Esposito wasted a close-range header. Norway went into the interval trailing but had avoided further damage.
The visitors transformed after half-time, with Antonio Nusa equalising in the 63rd minute after driving into the box and firing past Gianluigi Donnarumma. Alexander Sorloth and Kristian Thorstvedt had earlier gone close, signalling Norway’s improved intent. Both sides created chances as the match opened up, with goalkeepers denying efforts at either end.
Erling Haaland then produced two goals in two minutes to turn the contest decisively in Norway’s favour. The striker volleyed home from Oscar Bobb’s delivery in the 78th minute before adding his 55th international goal moments later, finishing with the outside of his boot after Morten Thorsby’s build-up play. Italy struggled to respond to the sudden shift in momentum.
Jorgen Strand Larsen completed the scoring in stoppage time with an individual effort, capping a memorable night for Stale Solbakken’s side. Norway maintained their unbeaten qualifying campaign, achieving their first such run in 28 years. Italy must now navigate the playoffs to reach next summer’s tournament.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
