Overview
- Norway overpowered Estonia 4-1 in Oslo with quickfire second‑half braces from Alexander Sorloth and Erling Haaland, extending a goal‑difference edge to about +29 versus Italy’s +12.
- Italy labored to a 2-0 win in Chişinău as Gianluca Mancini scored in the 89th minute and Pio Esposito added a stoppage‑time header.
- With Norway perfect and far ahead on the primary tiebreak, Italy is now effectively locked into the UEFA playoff route for a World Cup place.
- Rino Gattuso condemned chants from traveling supporters as “a shame” and defended heavy rotation after a performance widely judged fragile.
- Next steps include Italy’s home match against Norway at San Siro and a playoff draw reported for November 20 in Zurich, with single‑leg semifinals and finals scheduled for March 26 and 31, 2026.