Erling Haaland’s final stats are jaw-dropping: How Man City stars performed in World Cup qualifying
Three Manchester City stars were included in the squads for Italy and Norway as the two countries met on the final matchday of World Cup qualifying.
Norway had all but qualified for the World Cup prior to the contest, with Italy needing to win 9-0 to beat them to top spot.
In the event, Norway demolished Italy 4-1 to emphatically book their place in next summer’s World Cup in North America.
Pep Guardiola will have been hoping for no injuries, with Man City in a title race with Arsenal in the Premier League.
Below are how the three Man City stars fared in the World Cup qualifying match in Milan.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland has had a phenomenal goal scoring season so far and his exploits for his country have, if anything, even overshadowed his extraordinary City scoring feats.
The Italian defence kept Haaland quiet, winning aerial duels and not allowing much space in-behind for the striker to attack.
| Minutes Played | 89 |
| Touches | 25 |
| Expected Goals | 0.67 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 3 |
But Haaland still managed to get on the score sheet twice, netting a fine volley into the Italian net with 12 minutes remaining before striking from close-range a minute later.
He ended the campaign with a jaw-dropping 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers – netting at least once in every one of those games. That makes him the top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualifying in any continent.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
The Man City shot stopper was a spectator for much of the contest, but the Italian was beaten at his near post for Antonio Nusa’s equaliser.
Nusa’s effort flashed past Gianluigi Donnarumma, beating the 26-year-old for pace, with little time to react to stop the shot.
The 26-year-old then could then not deny Man City team mate Haaland on two occasions, or Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as Norway sealed all three points late on.
Oscar Bobb
The 22-year-old started Norway’s win over Estonia, but was dropped to the bench for this clash.
With 15 minutes remaining, Oscar Bobb came onto the pitch to replace Alexander Sorloth and added a greater counter-attacking threat to the Norway side.
Bobb made an immediate impact, producing the cross which Haaland scored his first goal from.
Bobb has not been able to cement a place in Guardiola’s starting XI this season, but he registered his first goal contribution since Man City’s 4-0 win at Wolves on the opening day of the Premier League season.