Erling Haaland was the star once again as Norway secured a stunning 4-1 victory over Italy at the San Siro, booking their first flawless World Cup qualification campaign in 28 years.
The Manchester City striker didn’t just score—he set the tone for a team determined to stamp its authority on the game.
Tensions Flare Before the Goals
The match wasn’t without drama. Just before halftime, Haaland found himself in a heated exchange with Italy defender Gianluca Mancini.
Tempers rose, and it took a towering intervention from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to separate the two.
The spat, however, seemed to ignite Haaland rather than distract him.
Second Half Brilliance
Haaland wasted no time after the interval. Within a span of two minutes, he scored twice, bringing his tally for the qualifiers to an astonishing 16 goals in eight games.
The first was a precise strike into the roof of the net off an Oscar Bobb assist, followed immediately by a close-range finish that left the San Siro in stunned silence.
Norway’s All-Round Performance
While Haaland grabbed the headlines, his teammates made crucial contributions.
Antonio Nusa and Jorgen Strand Larsen also found the back of the net, with Strand Larsen sealing the 4-1 win in the 93rd minute.
Despite going a goal down early, Norway showcased composure and clinical finishing that Italy simply couldn’t match in the second half.
Italy Faces Playoff Uncertainty
For Italy, the defeat was a bitter pill. Although mathematically they were never going to miss qualification by nine goals, the manner of their collapse will leave fans frustrated.
Now, the Azzurri will have to navigate a playoff to try to reach their first World Cup since 2014.
Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Haaland’s exploits mean he will continue his family legacy, following in the footsteps of his father, Alf Inge Haaland, to lead Norway on the World Cup stage.
As the top scorer in this cycle of qualifiers across all continents, he has cemented his status as one of the game’s most prolific forwards.
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