Norway defeated Italy 3-0 at home in a qualifying match from Group "I" for the 2026 World Cup, BTA reported. Three goals before the break helped the Scandinavians celebrate a valuable victory against the four-time world champions and take first place in the group with a total asset of 9 points.
After 14 minutes of play, the home fans had reason to rejoice when Alexander Sörlot scored from close range after an assist from Antonio Nusa.
Exactly 20 minutes later, Nusa broke through the visitors' defense and with a precise shot gave Norway a two-goal lead.
In the 42nd minute, Martin Odegaard passed to Erling Haaland and the Manchester City striker beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
After the break, substitute Patrick Berg came close to scoring, but his shot hit the post in the 61st minute.
The "Azure", who are now starting their World Cup qualifying campaign in North America, did not managed to create serious dangers in front of their opponent's goal.
In the other match in this group, Israel defeated Estonia 3-1 away and is in second place in the standings with 6 points.
In Group "J", the Republic of North Macedonia drew 1-1 at home against Belgium. Maxim de Kuyper gave the visitors the lead after 28 minutes of play, but Ezdzhan Alioski equalized just four minutes before the end of regular time.
Bojan Ilievski's goal immediately after the break was disallowed for offside.
In the other match in the group, Wales won 3-0 at home against Liechtenstein after goals from Joe Roden, Harry Wilson and Kiefer Moore.
"The Dragons" are in first place in the standings with 7 points, ahead of the Republic of North Macedonia with 5. Belgium has 1 point after its debut match of the campaign.
In Group "L", the leader Czech Republic defeated Montenegro 2-0 at home. Adam Chložek scored in the 23rd minute, as did Patrik Schick in the 65th minute after an assist from Václav Černý. The Czechs have full points after three matches played, while the Montenegrins are 3 points behind in second place.
In the same group, Croatia began their participation in these qualifiers with an easy 7-0 win away to Gibraltar. Mario Pasalic, Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic scored once each, while Franjo Ivanovic and Andrej Kramaric were accurate in the opponent's goal twice each.
The main referee of this match was the Bulgarian Georgi Kabakov.