Embarrassing defeat: Italy stumbles into the World Cup playoffs

A third consecutive World Cup without Italy? This scenario has seemed more plausible than ever since Sunday evening. The Azzurri lost 1-4 at home to Norway in Milan.

16 November 2025

From: fop

First things first: Italy would have needed to win by nine goals at the San Siro to overtake Norway for first place in the group. A place in the playoffs was therefore inevitable. And yet, the shock was profound for the four-time world champions on Sunday evening. Four goals conceded within 30 minutes and a resounding 1-4 defeat cast a shadow over Italian football.

It had all started so well in Milan. Inter's talented Pio Esposito put the Azzurri ahead 1-0 in the 11th minute after a great turn in the penalty area and a well-placed shot.

Now the great anxiety begins.

Afterwards, the home team continued to clearly dictate the play – but failed to reward themselves. And then, after the half-time break, came the complete collapse: First Antonio Nusa (63rd minute), then the previously inconspicuous Erling Haaland with a brace within two minutes (78th/80th minute), and finally Jorgen Strand Larsen (93rd minute) scored to make it 4-1 for the Scandinavians.

Erling Haaland led Norway to victory at the San Siro with two goals. © APA/afp / ALBERTO PIZZOLI

The Norwegians celebrated their first World Cup qualification in 27 years with their traveling fans at the San Siro, while the Italians were met with a deafening chorus of boos as they headed to the locker room. It was Rino Gattuso's first defeat in six matches as national coach. He now faces the difficult task of lifting his players' spirits and preparing them for the playoffs in March. The Azzurri have failed to advance from those playoffs in the last two seasons. They will learn their semifinal opponent at the draw next Thursday.

Italy – Norway 1:4
Goals: 1:0 Esposito (11th), 1:1 Nusa (63rd), 1:2 Haaland (78th), 1:3 Haaland (80th), 1:4 Larsen (93rd)

World Cup Qualifier, Group I