Esposito's goal isn't enough: Italy beaten by Norway

Italy's final group match in World Cup qualifying ended in a 4-1 defeat to Norway at San Siro. At the Meazza, Gennaro Gattuso started all five Inter players called up to the national team: Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Dimarco, Francesco Pio Esposito and Davide Frattesi all took to the pitch in the rain.

Italy took the lead in the first half thanks to a move involving two Inter players: Dimarco delivered a precise left-footed cross into the box for Pio Esposito, who held off his marker, turned and fired home to make it 1-0. For Pio, it was his second goal in two games during this international break and his third overall for his country. However, Norway turned the match around in the second half, scoring four goals through Nusa, Haaland (twice) and Strand Larsen. Among the Inter players, the only one to play the full 90 minutes was Federico Dimarco. Frattesi made way for Cristante in the 68th minute, while Esposito came off for Zaccagni with 79 minutes on the clock. Barella and Bastoni were both withdrawn after 86 minutes, replaced by Ricci and Buongiorno.

Italy, already virtually certain to finish second in Group I before the match due to Norway's superior goal difference, have officially ended their qualifying group behind their opponents this evening. The Azzurri will compete for a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the play-offs scheduled for March, while Norway have officially qualified for the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.