Overview
- Norway sealed first place with eight wins from eight and a record 37 goals in qualifying, finishing with a 4-1 victory at San Siro.
- Erling Haaland scored a brace to reach 16 goals in eight qualifiers, while Pio Esposito netted Italy's opener in his breakout display.
- Post-match analysis highlighted Italy's second-half collapse and defensive issues, with calls to address structure as key absences are expected to ease by spring.
- Italy will be seeded for the playoff draw on 20 November in Zurich, hosting a semifinal on 26 March 2026 against one of Romania, Sweden, Northern Ireland, Wales or North Macedonia, with a potential final on 31 March.
- Gianluigi Buffon linked the June loss in Oslo to players' fatigue after the Champions League final, prompting pushback from Giuseppe Bergomi, while Norway coach Stale Solbakken apologized for exuberant celebrations and praised his squad.