OSLO, NORWAY – NOVEMBER 13: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Norway and Estonia at Ullevaal Stadion on November 13, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. (Photo by Marius Nordnes / Nordnes Foto/Getty Images)
Erling Haaland kept it candid on the eve of Norway’s decisive World Cup qualifier against Italy, as he prepares to face rising Inter and Azzurri talent Francesco Pio Esposito at San Siro.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, with quotes via FCInterNews, the Manchester City striker admitted he doesn’t yet know much about his young opponent but still had words of respect for the Nerazzurri starlet.
“To be honest, I don’t know much about him. Maybe they’ll kill me for saying this, but when you play for Italy, you must have quality. And you need that same quality when you play for Inter, that’s how it is.”
Haaland on playing in Serie A: ‘You never know…’
Haaland was also asked about the possibility of one day playing in Serie A, a question that has followed him since his teenage years.
“I like this country. I’ve played some good games here. You never know what can happen in the future. I’m in a good place in my life right now, but you can never say never.”
The Norwegian star has been in prolific form for both club and country and will look to extend that run against an Italy side determined to secure momentum ahead of the play-offs.
Esposito, meanwhile, could earn another cap for Gennaro Gattuso’s men as he looks for his first goal at San Siro.
