Erling Haaland has aimed a sharp dig at Italy defender Gianluca Mancini after Norway’s stunning 4-1 win over the Azzurri at San Siro, revealing that the Roma centre back tried to provoke him unusually.
Speaking to Norwegian television after the match, Haaland explained that Mancini had repeatedly touched him from behind when the score was still 1-1, an episode the striker says only fired him up rather than putting him off his game.
According to Haaland, the incident happened in the first half when the duel between the two was still finely poised. Instead of losing his temper, the Manchester City forward used the moment as extra fuel, responding on the pitch by scoring twice as Norway went on to secure a historic 4-1 away victory and seal their fourth qualification for the World Cup.
The story has quickly blown up across social media and in the Norwegian media, where the focus has fallen as much on the clash between Haaland and Mancini as on the result itself. Commentators in Norway have highlighted how the Italian defender’s attempt to unsettle his opponent appeared to backfire badly, with Haaland turning irritation into ruthlessness in front of goal.
Away from the controversy, the Norwegian star also underlined how significant the performance was for his national team. He described the win in Milan as one of the most impressive displays produced by this Norway side, stressing that a 4-1 victory in Italy sends a message to the rest of the world and confirms that the team is now being taken very seriously by the biggest football nations.
For Italy, the heavy home defeat and the spotlight on Mancini’s methods add further frustration on a night to forget, while for Norway and Haaland it was another statement occasion on the road to the next World Cup.
