The final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group I of the European zone featured a key match. Italy, playing at home in the San Siro, took the lead with a goal from Pio Esposito, but conceded several goals in the second half and ultimately lost 1-4 to Norway.

Seven minutes into the game, Italy launched an attack. Di Lorenzo's pass was cleared, and Dimarco received the ball in the penalty area and volleyed it, but the ball went wide of the post.

In the 11th minute, Dimarco passed the ball amidst a scramble, and Pio Esposito received it, turned, and fired a low shot into the net, giving Italy a 1-0 lead. In the 16th minute, Locatelli received the ball at the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a long-range shot, but the ball went over the goal.

In the 31st minute, Norway attempted a counter-attack from the left flank. Antonio Nusa received the ball and curled a shot, but the ball went over the post. In the 36th minute, Italy created an attacking opportunity. Dimarco chipped the ball from the penalty area to the front of the goal, but Pio Esposito's header went wide.

In the first half stoppage time, Barella fouled Norwegian defender Julian Reilsen while challenging for the ball, and the referee awarded Barella a penalty.

In the 47th minute of the second half, Italy's attack was cleared, and Locatelli received the ball and took a long-range shot from the edge of the penalty area, but the ball was caught by Norwegian goalkeeper Erjen Nyland. In the 53rd minute, Julian Reilsen gained possession near the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal.

In the 63rd minute, Thiloth delivered a diagonal pass, and Antonio Nusa received the ball, entered the penalty area, and slotted it past the defender to equalize for Norway at 1-1. In the 75th minute, Italy launched a counter-attack with a cross, and Dimarco followed up in the penalty area with a volley, but Norwegian goalkeeper Erjen Nyland made a diving save.

In the 78th minute, Oscar Bob chipped the ball over the defense, and Haaland volleyed it into the net, giving Norway a 2-1 lead. In the 79th minute, Bastoni lost possession, Thorsby crossed from the penalty area, and Haaland slotted home to extend Norway's lead to 3-1.

In the 83rd minute, Politano received a pass from his teammate and took a long-range shot, but it went wide. In the second half stoppage time, Norway regained possession and launched an attack. Thorsby played a through ball to Jørgen Larsson, who received the pass, dribbled past the defender, and slotted the ball into the net, making the score 4-1 for Norway.

Ultimately, Italy suffered a 1-4 defeat at home to Norway. As Italy finished second in the standings, they had to participate in the playoffs to qualify for the World Cup finals, while Norway advanced as the top seed.