Overview
- Italy led through Pio Esposito after 11 minutes, but Norway overturned the match in the second half through Antonio Nusa, a Haaland double and a stoppage-time goal from Jørgen Strand Larsen.
- Norway tops Group I unbeaten with the best goal difference among European qualifiers, while Italy finishes second on 18 points and misses direct qualification.
- Coach Gennaro Gattuso apologized to supporters, saying the team "got scared" after the restart and must work on its fragilities before March.
- The playoff draw is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, with semi‑final and potential final ties to be played in March for the remaining European spots at the 2026 World Cup.
- Pre‑match discussion highlighted quirks in the qualification format, including a remote Nations League route that could open a playoff berth for San Marino only under an extraordinary combination of other results.