Erling Haaland scored and Norway humbled Italy 3-0 for the first time in 25 years in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Haaland on Friday collected a through ball from playmaker Martin Odegaard and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the box for the third goal three minutes before halftime.

It was his 41st goal in his 42nd match for Norway to the delight of the spectators at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, including King Harald V of Norway. Haaland also scored when Moldova was beaten 5-0 and Israel 4-2. Norway remained perfect in qualifying after three games in Europe Group I. Striker Alexander Sorloth received a precise pass from Antonio Nusa and then beat Donnarumma with a left-foot shot. Nusa, the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, was a constant threat to the Italian defence. He left behind two defenders and doubled the advantage with a rising shot from inside the area.

Italy was missing some regulars for its first qualifying match, while others failed to impress, including Mateo Retegui, the best Serie A scorer. Defenders Alessandro Buongiorno and Mattia Gabbia, defensive midfielder Manuel Locatelli and forward Moise Kean were all injured while key centre back Francesco Acerbi, who was meant to mark Haaland, turned down his call-up. Diego Coppola played centre back in the three-man defensive line used by coach Luciano Spalletti, which was not able to stop Norway.