Italy’s hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup hang in the balance following a stunning 4-1 defeat to Norway at San Siro on Monday, November 17, 2025. The result, Italy’s worst home loss in 70 years, confirmed Norway’s perfect record in World Cup qualifying and consigned the Azzurri to the play-offs for the third consecutive tournament.
Despite taking a 1-0 lead into halftime through a goal from Francesco Pio Esposito, Italy collapsed in the second half, conceding four unanswered goals. Antonio Nusa, Erling Haaland (who scored twice), and Jorgen Strand Larsen found the net for Norway, sealing a comprehensive victory. The defeat also extended Italy’s poor form at the San Siro, where they have now won only three of their last 13 matches – a win rate of approximately 23% – over the past 19 years.
The win secured Norway’s place in the final tournament, which will be hosted in North America next summer. Italy, having finished second in Group I with six wins and two losses, will now face a challenging play-off route to reach the World Cup.
The match saw Sandro Tonali and Andrea Cambiaso rested, reportedly to avoid suspension ahead of the play-off semi-finals. Several other Italian players were unavailable due to injury, including Moise Kean, Riccardo Calafiori, Niccolò Cambiaghi, Leonardo Spinazzola, and Giorgio Scalvini. Nicolò Barella did return from a ban for the crucial qualifier.
Norway had previously defeated Italy 3-0 in Oslo, a result that led to the dismissal of Italy’s then-manager, Luciano Spalletti, in June. The November 16th match at San Siro offered Italy a chance to overturn the goal difference deficit, but the second-half collapse dashed those hopes.
Italy’s recent record at San Siro includes victories against Denmark (2012), England (2022), and Ukraine (2023). However, six of their last 13 matches at the stadium have ended in draws, and four have resulted in defeat. Notably, Italy have lost their last three consecutive matches played at San Siro.
The Azzurri’s play-off campaign will begin with a semi-final match, the date and opponent of which are yet to be determined. The outcome of those matches will decide whether Italy can secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
