This is how Erling Haaland & Co. celebrated. © APA/afp / LISE ASERUD

Embarrassing performance: Italy embarrasses itself against Norway

Italy's national football team has made a disastrous start in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

June 06, 2025

From: apa

The Azzurri were beaten 0-3 in Norway on Friday and are in danger of missing out on a direct ticket to the finals. Goals from Alexander Sörloth (14th), Antonio Nusa (34th), and Erling Haaland (42nd) decided the match in Oslo before halftime for the hosts, who lead Group I with a maximum of nine points.

Haaland's 41st goal in 42nd international match capped a strong, efficient first-half performance in which Italy were caught cold three times. The four-time world champions continued to disappoint after the break, with Norway coming closer to a 4-0 lead. After missing out on two consecutive World Cups, coach Luciano Spalletti's team is under additional pressure.

Gianluigi Donnarumma and his team had a dismal day. © ANSA / Cornelius Poppe

Of course, nothing should go wrong on Monday at home against Moldova, the only team below Italy in the table. Israel (6 points) and Estonia (3 points) are ahead. Israel beat Estonia 3-1 away.

Croatia is turning up the heat

Croatia celebrated a veritable goal fest. Football dwarf Gibraltar was thrashed 7-0 in Faro, Portugal. Andrej Kramaric (77th, 79th) wasn't the only one to score a double. Franjo Ivanovic, in his third senior international match, also celebrated his first and second goals for Croatia (60th, 63rd). In their Pool L, the Czech Republic secured their third win in three matches with a 2-0 home victory over Montenegro and will face the Croatians in a clash in Osijek on Monday.

Croatia won decisively. © APA/afp / PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA

In Group J, Belgium had to settle for a 1-1 draw in North Macedonia in their opening match. Their dominance on the field and a goal from Maxim De Cuyper in the 28th minute weren't enough; Ezgjan Alioski secured the hosts a point in the 87th minute. North Macedonia leads the group, level on points with Wales (4 each). Belgium hosts Wales on Monday.