On June 6, 2025, Norway delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Italy in Oslo during a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Goals from Alexander Sørloth, Antonio Nusa, and Erling Haaland secured the win, placing Norway at the top of Group I with nine points from three matches. This defeat has significantly dented Italy's qualification hopes, marking their third loss in four matches and prompting national team coach Luciano Spalletti to hint at potential crisis talks with the Italian Football Federation The football rivalry between Norway and Italy has recently produced significant encounters across various levels—senior men's, U21, and women's teams. Here's an in-depth look at these matches:
🇳🇴 Norway vs. Italy 🇮🇹 – Senior Men’s Teams
⚽ 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier – June 6, 2025
In a pivotal UEFA Group I qualifier held in Oslo, Norway secured a commanding 3–0 victory over Italy. This win marked a significant step for Norway, who hadn't qualified for a major tournament since Euro 2000.
Match Highlights:
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14th Minute: Alexander Sørloth opened the scoring, capitalizing on a precise through ball from Antonio Nusa.
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34th Minute: Nusa showcased individual brilliance, weaving through defenders to net the second goal.
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45th Minute: Erling Haaland, assisted by Martin Ødegaard, rounded off the first half with a third goal, celebrating with a nod to Thierry Henry's iconic pose.
Despite Italy's majority possession, they struggled to penetrate Norway's defense, managing only one shot on target. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma labeled the performance "unacceptable," reflecting the team's ongoing challenges in World Cup qualifications.
With this result, Norway topped Group I with nine points from three matches, while Italy faced an uphill battle, having started their campaign with a loss.
🇳🇴 Norway U21 vs. Italy U21 🇮🇹
⚽ UEFA U21 Championship Qualifier – September 10, 2024
Italy's U21 team delivered a dominant performance against Norway, securing a 3–0 win in Stavanger. Tommaso Baldanzi was the standout player, achieving a hat-trick with goals in the 10th, 72nd, and 80th minutes.
Match Statistics:
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Possession: Italy 57.3% | Norway 42.7%
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Shots on Target: Italy 4 | Norway 1
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Passing Accuracy: Italy 86.7% | Norway 81.3%
This victory solidified Italy's position at the top of Group A, showcasing their depth and tactical prowess at the youth level.
🇳🇴 Norway Women vs. Italy Women 🇮🇹
⚽ UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Qualifier – May 31, 2024
In a tightly contested match in Oslo, Norway and Italy's women's teams played to a 0–0 draw. Both sides had opportunities, but strong defensive displays ensured a stalemate.
Historical Context:
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Total Meetings: 12
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Norway Wins: 7
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Italy Wins: 2
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Draws: 3
Norway's historical dominance in this fixture underscores their strength in women's football, though Italy's recent performances indicate a closing gap.
🔚 Conclusion
These recent encounters between Norway and Italy highlight the dynamic nature of their footballing relationship:
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Senior Men: Norway's resurgence, led by talents like Haaland and Ødegaard, signals a promising era, while Italy faces introspection after a challenging start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
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U21 Teams: Italy's youth showcase depth and potential, with players like Baldanzi making significant impacts.
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Women's Teams: A balanced contest reflects the competitive spirit and evolving dynamics in women's football between the two nations.
As both countries continue to develop their football programs, future matches promise excitement and high-quality competition across all levels.
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