Erling Haaland continued his remarkable goalscoring run by netting two goals in two minutes to inspire Norway to a comprehensive victory over Italy in their final Group I match. The Manchester City striker has now scored an extraordinary 32 goals in 20 appearances this season for club and country.
Match Summary
Italy briefly took the lead through Pio Esposito after just 11 minutes, a strike that gave the Azzurri a fleeting chance of overturning Norway at the top of the group. However, the visitors steadied themselves and worked their way back into the contest in the second half.
Antonio Nusa levelled the game midway through the second period, and moments later Haaland produced a stunning burst — scoring twice inside two minutes to put Norway firmly in control. In stoppage time, Jørgen Strand Larsen added a fourth to seal a memorable win.
What It Means
The result confirms a historic achievement for Norway, who have qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998. Conversely, Italy will be forced into the World Cup play-offs, continuing a recent run of qualification struggles at the final hurdle.
FAQs
1. How many goals has Haaland scored this season?
Haaland has scored 32 goals in 20 matches for club and country so far this season.
2. Could Italy have still topped the group?
Mathematically yes, but they required an unlikely nine-goal win to overtake Norway — a margin that never looked realistic.
3. Who scored Italy’s goal?
Pio Esposito opened the scoring for Italy in the 11th minute.
4. What happens to Italy now?
Italy will enter the World Cup play-offs, where they must win additional matches to qualify for the tournament.
5. When did Norway last qualify for a World Cup?
Norway last appeared at the World Cup in 1998.
Conclusion
Erling Haaland once again proved decisive on the biggest stage, his quick double overturning Italy and securing a landmark World Cup spot for Norway. The victory underscores Haaland’s extraordinary form and marks a historic moment for Norwegian football, while Italy face the familiar pressure of navigating the play-offs to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
