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Haaland Brace Buries Italy 4-1, Norway Seals World Cup Return

Italy now awaits Thursday's playoff draw that will decide its March path.

Overview

  • The defeat confirms Italy will face the World Cup playoffs for the third consecutive cycle.
  • Erling Haaland scored twice in a dominant second half as Norway completed eight wins from eight and ended a 28-year absence from the tournament.
  • Home supporters booed at San Siro and head coach Gennaro Gattuso issued a public apology.
  • Match analysis underscored Italy's defensive frailties and noted the absences of Riccardo Calafiori, Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.
  • Pio Esposito opened the scoring for Italy and continued his rapid rise, while focus now shifts to the draw that will set the semifinal opponent.