Norway secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Italy in their FIFA World Cup qualifier, bringing them closer to their first World Cup appearance since 1998, with goals from Sørloth, Nusa, and Haaland

Norway World Cup aspirations received a significant boost in Oslo as Ståle Solbakken’s side delivered an emphatic 3-0 victory over Italy, marking their third consecutive win in Group C.

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This dominant performance puts them in a strong position to secure a first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1998.

The home side, who had already netted nine goals in their first two qualifiers, continued their blistering form in front of goal. According to Flashscore, the breakthrough arrived within the opening 15 minutes.

Antonio Nusa, picking up the ball deep in his own half, surged forward with purpose before threading a brilliant pass to Alexander Sørloth. The striker expertly held off his marker and calmly slotted the ball past Gianluigi Donnarumma to open the scoring.

Italy, contending with heavy rain, struggled to find any rhythm or penetration in the first half. Their sole attempt came from Giacomo Raspadori, who blazed over from a tight angle.

Donnarumma was called into action again to deny Sørloth a second, but he was powerless moments later. Nusa, displaying dazzling footwork, weaved through the Italian defence before unleashing a powerful shot into the roof of the net, doubling Norway’s lead.

The hosts weren’t done yet. On the stroke of halftime, captain Martin Ødegaard delivered a perfectly weighted ball into the path of star striker Erling Haaland.

The prolific forward rounded Donnarumma with ease and slotted home his 41st international goal, putting Norway firmly in control with a commanding 3-0 lead.

The Azzurri, now winless in four games across all competitions, regrouped after the break and tightened defensively, preventing any further Norwegian shots until the 65th minute when Sander Berge struck the post from distance.

However, Italy’s attack remained largely toothless, registering their first shot on target in stoppage time via a Lorenzo Lucca header, which was comfortably gathered by Ørjan Nyland.

While this marked Italy’s first World Cup qualifier of the campaign, the comprehensive defeat raises significant concerns as they risk missing a third consecutive tournament.

Norway, meanwhile, can now look forward with increasing confidence to ending their long wait for a return to football’s biggest stage.