Norway crushed Italy, Haaland scores twice

Italy vs Norway – Match Breakdown (16 November 2025)

On 16 November 2025, Italy hosted Norway at San Siro in a decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. The result was a dramatic and emphatic 4–1 victory for Norway, securing their top spot in Group I and sending Italy to the playoff round.

First Half: Italy Takes Early Lead, But Norway Stays in It

• 11’ – Goal Italy: The Azzurri struck first through Francesco Pio Esposito, who finished from close range after a low cross from Federico Dimarco.
• Italy largely controlled the ball in the first half and built several promising moves, but Norway stayed compact and disciplined in defense.
• Despite Italy’s dominance, Norway managed to stay organized, limiting risky transitions and remaining a threat on set-pieces.

Second Half: Norway’s Comeback and Clinical Finish

• 63’ – Equalizer for Norway: Antonio Nusa smashed in a powerful left-footed shot from inside the box to level the score.
• 78’ – Norway takes the lead: Erling Haaland volleyed home a cross from Oscar Bobb, capitalizing on some space in the box.
• 79’ – Haaland doubles: Just a minute later, Haaland was on the end of another move and tapped in his second to make it 3–1.
• 90+3’ – Seal the deal: Jørgen Strand Larsen curled a classy finish into the bottom corner with the final kick of the game to make it 4–1.

Tactical Analysis

Italy

• Formation & Approach: Italy tried to dominate through possession, using a classic midfield structure and supporting their winger play.
• Positives: Early control, good passing, creativity to break Norway’s lines.
• Weaknesses: Let the game slip in the second half; defensive lapses; vulnerability to transition and long balls.

Norway

• Formation & Approach: Norway leaned into their strengths — quick counters, set pieces, and exploiting space in the box.
• Positives: Highly clinical, strong physical presence, excellent finishing from key players.
• Weaknesses: Not many, given their efficiency — but could have been more dominant earlier if they’d pressed higher.

What This Result Means

• For Norway: The win secured their place at the 2026 World Cup as group winners.
• For Italy: Despite the loss, they avoided collapse — but they must go through the playoffs to try to qualify.
• Momentum: Norway’s perfect qualifying campaign underlines their rise; Italy now faces a nerve-wracking playoff path.

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