Heading into this contest, Norway had a three-point cushion over the Italians, along with a vastly superior goal difference. And it seemed Italy took that personally as they roared out of the blocks before taking the lead in the 11th minute through Francesco Pio Esposito's quick-thinking finish on Sunday night. The 20-year-old should have made it 2-0 not long before half time but he couldn't keep his header on target when in a very good position at San Siro.
Norway, who barely laid a finger on their hosts, showed signs of life in the second half as Alexander Sorloth flashed shots against the side netting and over the bar. And as the momentum was turning in the away team's favour, Antonio Nusa ran 20 yards with the ball before unleashing a fierce strike past Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 63rd minute.
Both Donnarumma and Norway stopper Orjan Nyland made important stops late on, but it took a moment of brilliance from Haaland in the 78th minute to separate both sides when he volleyed in Oscar Bobb's lofted cross. Just a minute later, the 25-year-old made it 3-1 when he expertly slotted the ball home from close range. Substitute Jorgen Strand Larsen bent a neat finish into the corner in second-half stoppage time as Norway emphatically won all eight of their group games, while Italy will have to qualify for the World Cup via the play-offs.