Mathematically speaking, Norway need to avoid defeat by Italy to qualify automatically for World Cup 2026. Realistically, though, they are already through on account of their huge goal difference advantage.Italy are destined for the play-offs unless they can win by a nine-goal margin. Who will come out on top when the top two in Group I lock horns?Norway or a draw – 11/15 with 247betBoth teams to score – 4/7 with BetfredErling Haaland to score any time – 23/20 with BetfredItaly vs Norway oddsFind the latest Italy vs Norway betting odds here. All odds are provided by our recommended football bookmakers and are subject to change. Stay in-play between matches with bet365’s live casino! Italy vs Norway predictionsThe numbers say otherwise, but Italy’s race is run in Group I of World Cup qualification. The Azzurri have been on the back foot ever since they lost 3-0 to Norway on matchday three. The four-time world champions have not slipped up since then, winning six matches in a row, but that has not been enough for them to catch up with Norway.Stale Solbakken’s side have triumphed seven times out of seven this campaign, amassing a remarkable goal difference of +29 along the way. An 11-1 victory over Moldova stands out, but Norway also put eight goals past Israel in two meetings, and their success against Italy in June was as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests.Italy are three points behind Norway going into this concluding contest, so a win for the hosts would bring parity. The problem is, the Azzurri’s goal difference is a more ordinary +12.They would therefore need to beat Norway by nine clear goals to pip them to top spot in the group. We are not putting our necks on the line by saying that will not happen. Norway, in other words, will be at next summer’s World Cup.It will be their first appearance since 1998, when Norway lost narrowly to Italy in the round of 16 having finished second in their group.Given their squad includes the likes of Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Alexander Sorloth of Atletico Madrid and Martin Odegaard of Arsenal, Norway were rightly criticised for failing to reach Euro 2024.They could only manage a third-place finish in their qualification group, with runners-up Scotland picking up five more points than Haaland and co.But Norway have not put a foot wrong on the road to the USA, Canada and Mexico, consigning Italy to the play-offs in the process.Having missed out on the tournaments in 2018 and 2022, it would be unthinkable for Italy to fail to qualify for a third World Cup on the bounce. Falling short this time around would be the most embarrassing failure of the lot given the competition’s expansion to 48 teams.Italy have not won a World Cup knockout match since the 2006 final. That is a preposterously bad record for a nation with their footballing heritage. Italy should still make it to next summer’s event, but they will have to do it the hard way.Italy vs Norway betting tips. 18+ GambleAware.org – Please play responsibly.Italy vs Norway betting tipsItaly and Norway are poised to do battle as Group I comes to an end on Sunday evening.Norway can get somethingItaly were desperately hoping that Norway would slip up against Estonia on Thursday, so a 4-1 win for the Group I leaders will have left the Azzurri feeling glum.It will be hard for Gennaro Gattuso’s men to get themselves up for this game given automatic qualification is off the table, barring a historic result. Norway, on the other hand, will be full of confidence and that feelgood factor can help them avoid defeat in Milan.The Norwegians will be keen to make another statement of intent ahead of next summer, and we like their chances of getting something from this match. Back Norway or a draw at 11/15 with 247bet Goals at both endsNorway’s seven qualifiers up to now have yielded 33 goals, and it is hard to imagine Italy keeping out an attack spearheaded by Haaland and Sorloth.Italy have not been able to match Norway’s success at introducing ball to net, but by the standards of most other teams they have also scored freely.Indeed, at the time of writing only Belgium, the Netherlands and Norway can better Italy’s return of 20 goals.Defensive rigour will not be at its highest with little on the line, so both teams will back themselves to find the net. Go for both teams to score at 4/7 with Betfred Haaland unstoppable right nowErling Haaland has had a fine start to the season at Manchester City and he is scoring plenty of goals for his country too.Norway’s talisman has scored 14 times in this campaign. That is not only more than any other player; it is double the tally of the second-highest scorer, Memphis Depay (as of Friday).Haaland is in unstoppable form. Even a centre-back pairing of Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi would be troubled by the Norwegian, and Italy’s current defence is not in that class.At odds better than evens, this one is a no-brainer. Tip Erling Haaland to score any time at 23/20 with Betfred Italy vs Norway predicted lineupsItaly expected lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Cristante; Politano, Retegui, Raspadori.Norway expected lineup: Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland. Where to watch Italy vs NorwayLocation: San Siro, Milan, Italy.Date and time: Sunday 16th November, 7.45pm.How to watch: Amazon Prime PPV.More World Cup qualifier predictionsWe have plenty more World Cup qualifier predictions and picks – find our latest betting tips from expert punters in our match preview overview.About the authorGreg LeaGreg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.Follow Greg on X: @GregLeaFootballCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Most read in BettingJoe’s best horse racing betting tips for the Cheltenham November Meeting Day 3 on SundayGreece vs Scotland betting tips and predictions - 20/1 bet builderLiechtenstein vs Wales betting tips and predictions - Dragons to storm qualifiersLuton v Rotherham prediction, betting tips and bet builder: Hat trick of wins for Hatters?Joe’s best horse racing betting tips for the Cheltenham November Meeting Day 2 on SaturdayDolphins v Commanders 17/1 Bet Builder: Bet £10 and get £40 in free bets with BetMGM