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Haaland Masterclass Topples Italy as Norway Claim Historic World Cup Qualifying Win
OSLO, Norway (AP) — Erling Haaland delivered another virtuoso performance Friday night, spearheading Norway’s stunning 3-0 victory over Italy at Ullevaal Stadium – the Azzurri’s heaviest World Cup qualifying defeat since a 3-0 loss to Yugoslavia in 1999.
The Manchester City striker rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to score Norway’s third just before halftime, marking his 41st goal in 42 international appearances and sending King Harald V of Norway into raptures alongside 25,000 jubilant home supporters.
Match Breakdown: How Norway Humiliated the Azzurri
18′ – Alexander Sørloth opens scoring after Antonio Nusa’s defense-splitting pass
37′ – Nusa doubles lead with rising shot past Donnarumma
42′ – Haaland completes counterattack with clinical finish (Watch: [Video Link])
Italy’s makeshift defense – missing Francesco Acerbi (personal reasons) and injured duo Alessandro Buongiorno/Mattia Gabbia – crumbled under Norway’s relentless pressing. The 20-year-old Nusa tormented Giovanni Di Lorenzo all evening, completing 5 dribbles and creating 3 chances.
Italy’s Qualification Crisis Deepens
The defeat compounds pressure on Luciano Spalletti’s side after failing to qualify for:
✖ 2018 World Cup (Eliminated by Sweden in playoffs)
✖ 2022 World Cup (Shock loss to North Macedonia)
With only group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 48-team 2026 tournament, Italy now face must-win games against Moldova (June 10) and Bosnia (September).
Group I Standings After Matchday 3
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Norway – 9pts (GD +9)
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Israel – 6pts
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Italy – 3pts
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Estonia – 0pts
Key Statistics
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Shots: NOR 14-7 ITA
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xG: NOR 2.7-0.8 ITA (Opta)
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Haaland vs Italy: 3 shots, 1 goal, 2 chances created
What They Said
Erling Haaland (Norway ST):
“This is why we play football – nights like this in front of our fans. We showed what Norwegian football can do.”
Luciano Spalletti (Italy Coach):
“When you concede early against players of this quality, the match becomes very difficult. We must react immediately.”
Other European Qualifying Results
Group L: Croatia 7-0 Gibraltar (Pasalić 2, Budimir 2, Kramarić 2, Ivanović)
Group E: Czech Republic 2-0 Montenegro (Hložek, Schick)
Group J: North Macedonia 1-1 Belgium (De Cuyper; Alioski)