Erling Braut Haaland scores brace as Norway return to the World Cup | OneFootball

Italy lost 4-1 to Norway in the FIFA World Cup qualifying at the San Siro on Sunday evening.

Italy needed to score at least nine unanswered goals to secure automatic qualification, but the visitors had other ideas.

Federico Dimarco almost gave the hosts the lead when the ball broke free to him inside the penalty area, but he blazed his effort wide.

The Inter Milan defender assisted the opener, feeding club teammate Francesco Pio Esposito, who beat his marker before guiding the ball into the net.

Antonio Nusa blazed the ball over just after the half-hour mark in what was a rare chance for Norway in the first half.

Dimarco and Esposito nearly combined for another goal when the former swung a cross into the area, but his teammate failed to convert.

Alexander Sorloth failed to hit the target from the edge of the box after the break, before Nusa drew Norway level with a cracking shot from inside the penalty area after the hour mark.

Musa almost gave Norway the lead, but Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a brilliant save to keep the scoreline level.

The Manchester City goalkeeper was eventually beaten by Erling Braut Haaland, who put Norway ahead with a superb volley.

Haaland gave the visitors a two-goal cushion with a clinical finish from inside the box, and Jorgen Strand Larsen sealed the victory in stoppage time.

Norway have qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, while Italy must now navigate through the play-offs to secure their spot.