Erling Haaland has scored and Norway has humbled Italy 3-0 for the first time in 25 years in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

Norway currently leads Group I, putting it in position to qualify directly to the World Cup, though there's a lot of time still left to go. Italy has yet to play a Group I match.

The Norwegians flattened the Italians 3-0 in Oslo to move closer to ending their near-three-decade wait for a return to the World Cup.

Former hard-tackling midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been named as Italy coach and is tasked with reviving the country's already-flagging World Cup qualifying hopes.

Italy head to Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo to take on Norway in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday night. Embroiled in UEFA Nations League action in March, Gli Azzurri remain the only

Join us for all the build-up and coverage as it happens from Italy’s opening 2026 World Cup qualifier against Erling Haaland’s Norway.

Should Italy fans be worried? - Scoreline

Norway takes on Italy at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on Friday, June 6. Kickoff is set for 8:45 p.m. CET local time in Norway, making it a 7:45 p.m. BST start in the UK, a 2:45 p.m. ET or 11:45 a.m. PT kickoff in the US and Canada, and a 4:45 a.m. AEST start on Saturday morning in Australia.

Luciano Spalletti’s job as head coach of the Italy national team is under an increased level of scrutiny following a disastrous 3-0 loss away against Norway in the first match of the 2026 World Cup

Italy’s national soccer team coach Luciano Spalletti has announced that he is being fired and will leave after Monday’s World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Norway stunned Italy with a 3-0 win on Friday, handing the visitors a humiliating start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.