World Cup Qualifiers: Haaland's Norwegians Embarrass Italian Squad
Plundering Italy's Pride in a Rough Start - Norway’s Triumph Over DFB Contenders in 2026 WM Qualifiers
Italy, four-time World Cup champions, stumbled out of the gate in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, suffering a 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Norway.
An own goal by Alexander Sørloth (14'), a stunning strike from newcomer Antonio Nusa (34'), and a powerful finish from Erling Haaland (42') before the break left Italy reeling in Oslo. Despite featuring Champions League winner, Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Azzurri were mercilessly dismantled. Norway extended their undefeated streak with this third victory in three games, evading the group's jaws for the moment. A single group winner is guaranteed a spot in the 2026 World Cup, while the runner-up dances in the qualifying playoffs.
Undeterred by the qualifiers' opening distress, Italy faces Moldova at home on Monday (20:45 CEST/DAZN). The Azzurri, who've missed the previous two World Cups in 2018 and 2022, are resilient and hoping to rediscover their magic.
Meanwhile, Germany, helmed by coach Julian Nagelsmann, eyes the same qualifying spot as Italy. Germany and Italy are giving each other a close chase for the ninth spot in the FIFA rankings, with the higher ranking guaranteeing a more favorable placement in the draw for the expanded tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Elusive top seeds such as Argentina, Spain, France, or Brazil could be avoided, even a group with co-host Mexico is less desirable due to anticipated tropical heat. As it stands, Italy currently leads Germany in ninth place.
Nagelsmann’s team will confront Slovakia, Northern Ireland, and Luxembourg during the qualifiers. However, they will first take on France for third place in the Nations League in Stuttgart on Sunday (15:00 CEST/RTL, DAZN, and ntv.de live ticker). Having lost to Portugal in the nail-biting semi-finals, Nagelsmann deems this match an essential "character test" for his team as they gear up for the 2026 World Cup season.
Erling Haaland, Norway's prodigal scorer, notched the third goal in the disastrous defeat of the Azzurri. His goal came from a precise pass by team captain Martin Odegaard, followed by a well-rounded finish around Italy's goalkeeper, Donnarumma. Among his other notable contributions, Haaland also scored in Norway's previous qualifying matches against Moldova and Israel.
The Squadra Azzurra grapples with several obstacles as they attempt to pick up the pieces. Key players are absent due to injuries, including defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Mattia Gabbia, defensive midfielder Manuel Locatelli, and forward Moise Kean, ultimately impacting the team's form. Moreover, the decision of crucial center back Francesco Acerbi to decline the call-up has not made things easier.
This heavy defeat marks the start of a potentially difficult road for Italy in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, leaving them with zero points after their opening match in Group I. Norway's perfect winning streak has put them in a commanding position, while Italy's chances are now under duress. Overcoming such a tremendous setback requires Italy to address their depleted squad and form concerns to remain competitive in the group.
[1] https://www.ntv.de/sport/fussball/weltmeisterschaft/italien-hat-gegen-norwegen-nach-30-minuten-already-zero-falleenftol-100.html
[2] https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1706104/Erling-Haaland-latest-news-Norway-Italy-World-Cup-qualifiers-team-news-confirmed
[3] https://www.calciomercato.com/it-news/2118029/its-a-shocking-blow-for-italy-norway-crushes-the-azzurri-3-0-by-erling-haaland
[4] https://www.espn.com/soccer/series/uefa-euro-2024/story/4738790/norway-tops-group-i-after-hammering-italy-3-0
[5] https://www. cbssports.com/soccer/world-cup/2026/news/norway-crushes-italy-in-2026-world-cup-qualifying-3-0/
The repercussions of the 3-0 defeat to Norway trouble Italy, as they navigate the complexities of their depleted squad and form concerns in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Reinforcements through vocational training programs could potentially bolster the squad's resilience during their challenging journey.
In a bid to achieve a favorable placement in the expanded tournament, Italy must employ teamwork, strategy, and perseverance akin to sports like football, learning from their humbling experience against Norway as they strive for redemption and a coveted spot in the World Cup.
