Ahmad Zein Salamo
Milan – Italy suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat at the hands of Norway in their final Group I match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, a result that leaves their direct qualification hopes dashed and forces them into the precarious playoff route. The match, held at the iconic San Siro stadium in Milan on Monday, November 17, 2025, saw a promising start for the Azzurri, but a second-half onslaught led by Erling Haaland propelled Norway to a decisive victory and secured their place at the World Cup.
The defeat has sparked widespread disappointment and concern among Italian football fans and pundits alike, with coach Gennaro Gattuso openly criticizing his players’ performance, particularly their apparent fear and lack of composure after the halftime break.
Italy entered the match knowing that a victory or a draw would significantly boost their chances of automatic qualification. The team, currently ranked seventh in the FIFA world rankings, had displayed a mixed bag of results throughout the qualifying campaign. While they secured comfortable wins against lower-ranked opponents in the group, they struggled against fellow contenders, including a previous 2-1 defeat to Norway in Oslo earlier in the campaign.
Norway, under the guidance of coach Stale Solbakken, arrived in Milan with a clear objective: to secure the top spot in Group I and guarantee their direct passage to the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The team, spearheaded by the prolific Erling Haaland, had been in impressive form, showcasing a potent attacking force and a resilient defense. Their recent performances had instilled a sense of optimism and belief within the Norwegian squad and their supporters.
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The match began with Italy displaying a high level of intensity and determination. Francesco Pio Esposito, the young Inter Milan forward, ignited the home crowd with a well-taken goal in the 11th minute. Esposito, who has been making waves in Serie A with his clinical finishing and intelligent movement, capitalized on a well-placed through ball and calmly slotted the ball past the Norwegian goalkeeper, Orjan Nyland.
The early goal provided Italy with a crucial advantage and seemed to settle their nerves. The Azzurri continued to press forward, creating several promising opportunities to extend their lead. However, Norway remained resilient, defending stoutly and looking to exploit any potential weaknesses in the Italian defense.
The first half concluded with Italy maintaining their slender 1-0 lead. The atmosphere inside the San Siro was electric, with the home fans roaring their support for the national team. However, a sense of unease lingered, as Norway had shown glimpses of their attacking prowess and threatened to disrupt Italy’s rhythm.
The second half witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum as Norway emerged with renewed vigor and determination. Their attacking play became more incisive, and their midfield began to dominate possession. The introduction of fresh legs from the bench further bolstered their offensive capabilities.
In the 63rd minute, Antonio Nusa, the highly-rated Club Brugge winger, leveled the score with a stunning individual effort. Nusa, known for his dribbling skills and explosive pace, weaved his way past the Italian defenders and unleashed a powerful shot that nestled into the top corner of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s net, leaving the Italian goalkeeper with no chance.
The equalizer injected a surge of confidence into the Norwegian team, and they began to assert their dominance. The Italian defense, which had looked relatively solid in the first half, started to show signs of vulnerability under the relentless pressure.
The turning point of the match arrived in the 78th minute when Erling Haaland, the Manchester City superstar, capitalized on a defensive lapse to put Norway ahead. Haaland, who had been relatively quiet until that point, displayed his predatory instincts by latching onto a loose ball inside the penalty area and firing a powerful shot past Donnarumma.
Just a minute later, Haaland doubled his tally, further compounding Italy’s misery. The Norwegian striker showcased his exceptional finishing skills, calmly slotting the ball home after being played through on goal.
With Italy reeling from the two quick-fire goals, Norway continued to press forward, sensing an opportunity to inflict further damage. In injury time, Jorgen Strand Larsen, the Celta Vigo forward, added a fourth goal for Norway, further humiliating the Azzurri. Larsen outpaced Gianluca Mancini before coolly dispatching his shot beyond Donnarumma.
The final whistle sparked scenes of jubilation among the Norwegian players and fans, while the Italian contingent was left to contemplate their devastating defeat. The result confirmed Norway’s place at the 2026 World Cup as Group I winners with 24 points, while Italy finished second with 18 points and now face the prospect of navigating the treacherous playoff route.
In a post-match interview with RAI Sport, a visibly disappointed Gennaro Gattuso expressed his remorse and frustration with his team’s performance. "First of all, we have to apologize to our supporters, because 4-1 is a heavy result. It’s a shame, the first half was very good, we were a tough team, but the biggest disappointment is that the second half was not up to that standard," Gattuso said.
He continued, "Congratulations to Norway, but we start again from the first half, where we did what we were supposed to do, then we struggled after the break."
Gattuso lamented his team’s loss of composure and tactical discipline in the second half. "We lost our formation, because in the first half we pressed in the right way, then we started to lose the ball too easily, giving Norway space to play. We lost the ball, misplaced passes, and were pushed back, that’s what happened," he explained.
The Italian coach did not mince his words when addressing his team’s mental fragility. "We have to repeat the performance in the first half, when we were solid, in the right positions, but once the opponent created chances, we started to be afraid. That’s where we have to change and improve, we were scared," Gattuso stated.
The defeat to Norway has ignited a wave of criticism from Italian media and fans, with many questioning Gattuso’s tactical approach and team selection. The pressure is now mounting on the Italian coach to turn things around and guide the Azzurri through the playoffs and secure their place at the 2026 World Cup.
The playoff draw, scheduled for later this month, will determine Italy’s opponents in the crucial two-legged tie. The playoffs are expected to be fiercely contested, with several other European powerhouses also vying for a place at the World Cup.
Italy’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with inconsistent performances and a lack of cutting edge in attack. The team’s reliance on veteran players has also been questioned, with calls for Gattuso to integrate more young talent into the squad.
The road to the 2026 World Cup promises to be a challenging one for Italy. The Azzurri must overcome their mental fragility, rediscover their tactical discipline, and find a way to consistently perform at their best. The Italian fans will be hoping that Gattuso can inspire his team to rise to the occasion and secure their place at the world’s biggest football tournament.
The Italian national team’s statistical performance in the World Cup Qualifiers has been a mixed bag. While they boasted a relatively strong defensive record in the first half of the campaign, their attacking output has been inconsistent. The team’s over-reliance on set-pieces for goals has also been a concern.
Italy’s key players, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Jorginho, and Ciro Immobile, have all experienced periods of inconsistent form. The team’s lack of a prolific goalscorer has been a persistent issue, with Immobile struggling to replicate his Serie A form on the international stage.
Looking ahead, Italy faces a crucial period of preparation ahead of the World Cup playoffs. Gattuso must address the team’s tactical weaknesses, improve their mental resilience, and find a way to unlock their attacking potential. The Italian coach will also need to make some tough decisions regarding team selection, balancing the experience of veteran players with the dynamism of young talent.
The Italian football federation is expected to provide Gattuso with their full support as he prepares the team for the playoffs. However, the pressure is on the Italian coach to deliver results and secure Italy’s place at the 2026 World Cup. The Italian fans, known for their passionate support, will be expecting nothing less.
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Ahmad Zein Salamo is a dedicated football journalist at Sports News Break, covering the global game with a sharp eye for detail and passion for storytelling. With years of experience following Europe’s top leagues and international tournaments, he delivers insightful analysis, match previews, and breaking news with journalistic integrity and depth.
His reporting combines tactical understanding with a human perspective, highlighting not only the drama on the pitch but also the stories that shape the sport beyond it. From Champions League nights to grassroots football, Ahmad’s work reflects a true love for the beautiful game and a commitment to bringing readers closer to the action.
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