Norway booked their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 27 years with a sensational 4-1 comeback win over Italy in Milan, leaving the Azzurri facing the grim prospect of missing a third straight finals.
Italy struck first after 11 minutes when Francesco Esposito spun sharply onto Federico Dimarco’s pass and squeezed his finish past Orjan Nyland.
The hosts controlled the half but failed to extend their lead, with Esposito heading a golden chance wide and Norway hanging on to reach the interval only one goal down.
Ståle Solbakken’s men emerged transformed after the break. Alexander Sørloth and Kristian Thorstvedt both threatened before Antonio Nusa dragged Norway level in the 63rd minute with a brilliant driving run and near-post strike.
Donnarumma denied Nusa moments later, while Nyland answered with key saves from Dimarco and Esposito as the match swung end to end.
Then came the decisive burst. Erling Haaland, kept quiet until the 78th minute, flipped the game on its head with two goals inside 120 seconds.
He first met Oscar Bobb’s pinpoint cross with a stunning volley, before coolly rolling in his 55th international goal with the outside of his boot after Morten Thorsby’s work in midfield.
Shell-shocked, Italy had no response, and Norway added further gloss in stoppage time when Jørgen Strand Larsen slalomed through the defence for a superb solo fourth.
Norway finish their campaign unbeaten and bound for the World Cup; Italy head into the playoffs with everything suddenly at risk.
