Overview

• Alexander Sorloth, Antonio Nusa and Erling Haaland each scored in a dominant first half at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion.
• The win secured Norway’s perfect nine points from three matches, positioning the Nordic side for direct qualification as a group winner.
• Italy’s defence was depleted by injuries to centre-backs Alessandro Buongiorno, Riccardo Calafiori and Matteo Gabbia, while veteran Francesco Acerbi withdrew over a dispute with manager Luciano Spalletti.
• Spalletti remained optimistic after the defeat, stressing his belief in the squad’s ability to recover and qualify for the World Cup.
• Italy returns to Reggio Emilia to face Moldova next, a fixture that has gained added urgency after the Azzurri missed the past two World Cups.