Italy (2nd, 12 pts, +7GD) also won (3-1 over Estonia), and need to beat Israel in a few days to keep the pressure on Norway who are a perfect 6 wins from 6.
It's likely that when Norway (18 pts, +26 GD) travel to Milan in the final round (Nov 16th), the Italians would need a massive win to edge the Norwegians on GD for top spot. Ain't happening.
Realistically Italy need to beat Israel, wrap up 2nd spot and then go into the playoffs. Haaland & co are off to Norway's first World Cup in 28 years.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_UEFA_Group_I
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c4gzj5nv3rgt
Victory left Norway in a commanding position in Group I as they look to compete in their first major international tournament since 2000 and first World Cup for 28 years.
It's likely that when Norway (18 pts, +26 GD) travel to Milan in the final round (Nov 16th), the Italians would need a massive win to edge the Norwegians on GD for top spot. Ain't happening.
Realistically Italy need to beat Israel, wrap up 2nd spot and then go into the playoffs. Haaland & co are off to Norway's first World Cup in 28 years.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_%E2%80%93_UEFA_Group_I
https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c4gzj5nv3rgt
Victory left Norway in a commanding position in Group I as they look to compete in their first major international tournament since 2000 and first World Cup for 28 years.
Second-placed Italy kept their hopes of automatic qualification alive by beating Estonia 3-1 in Tallinn.
Fiorentina striker Moise Kean opened the scoring after four minutes, before striker Mateo Retegui doubled their lead seven minutes before half-time.
Inter Milan striker Francesco Esposito scored his first international goal with a neat first-time finish, while Estonia scored a consolation two minutes later through Rauno Sappinen after Gianluigi Donnarumma spilled a cross.
The victory cut Norway's lead in the group to six points, although Gennaro Gattuso's side have a game in hand.
Italy host Israel on Tuesday, 14 October, when another success would move the four-time world champions six points clear of their third-placed rivals and within three of the leaders.
Italy, who won the Euros in 2021, have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups and last appeared at the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
European group winners qualify automatically for the 2026 finals, which take place in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Norway will continue their campaign at home to Estonia on Thursday, 13 November, with Italy visiting Moldova on the same night. Italy and Norway then meet in the final round, three days later.