Norway secured their spot at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, staging a stunning second-half turnaround to thrash Italy 4-1 in Milan. The victory leaves the playoff-bound Azzurri facing the prospect of missing a third consecutive World Cup.

Stale Solbakken’s Norway arrived in Milan brimming with confidence, having nearly guaranteed qualification for next summer’s tournament. But it was the hosts who started the brighter, taking the lead in the 11th minute. Federico Dimarco’s pass found Francesco Esposito, who turned sharply in the box and slotted the ball past Orjan Nyland.

Italy controlled much of the first half, enjoying sustained possession in Norway’s half. Clear-cut chances were limited, though, as Esposito misdirected a close-range header, leaving Norway grateful to trail by only a single goal at the break.

Norway Fight Back

The visitors needed a tactical shift to keep their hopes of a first unbeaten World Cup qualifying cycle in 28 years alive. Alexander Sorloth and Kristian Thorstvedt came close early in the second half, narrowly missing from good positions, signaling Norway’s intent.

The equaliser arrived in the 63rd minute when Antonio Nusa charged into the box and fired a brilliant strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma at the near post. The goal set up an electrifying final 25 minutes. Donnarumma denied Nusa a quick follow-up, while Dimarco and Esposito saw close-range chances kept out by Nyland.

But Norway’s talisman Erling Haaland then turned the game decisively in his team’s favour, scoring twice in as many minutes. First, he volleyed home Oscar Bobb’s perfect cross, then added his 55th international goal with a composed finish using the outside of his foot following excellent work by Morten Thorsby.

Italy, stunned by the three-goal blitz, attempted a late response, but Norway refused to relent. In stoppage time, substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen capped a famous victory with a solo goal, sealing a 4-1 triumph for the Red, White, and Blue.