Italy rally to beat Norway and win Group H
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Article summary
Italy 2-1 Norway
Alessandro Florenzi and Graziano Pellè saved the day for the Azzurri, sending Antonio Conte's men to the top of Group H on the last matchday.
Article top media content
Article body
- Alexander Tettey gives Norway lead with fine half-volley midway through first half
- Ørjan Nyland makes series of crucial saves but Italy hit back
- Alessandro Florenzi and Graziano Pellè score for Azzurri in last 17 minutes
- Italy have not lost a competitive home game this century
- Norway finish third and will compete in play-offs as Croatia pipped them for second
Italy came from behind to beat Norway 2-1 in Rome, secure pole position and preserve their unbeaten record in Group H – while condemning their rivals to a third-place finish and the UEFA EURO 2016 play-offs.
The Azzurri, who had booked qualification on Saturday, went close to taking an early lead when Graziano Pellé headed just wide after a precise cross by Mattia De Sciglio.
The hosts initially went for it, with full-backs Matteo Darmian and De Sciglio continuing to supply dangerous balls from the flanks. Norway, however, took the lead against the run of play midway through the first half when Alexander Tettey fired in a superb half-volley direct from a headed clearance by Giorgio Chiellini.
Italy might have equalised ten minutes from the interval but Pellè nodded wide from close range after connecting with a neat Riccardo Montolivo delivery.
Ørjan Nyland then preserved Norway's advantage until the break, making strong saves from Pellè, Roberto Soriano and Alessandro Florenzi.
The Norway goalkeeper was decisive again early in the second period, rushing out to block Éder’s shot after the Italy forward had latched onto a long pass by Leonardo Bonucci.
Italy finally equalised when Norway centre-back Haitam Aleesami tried to chest down a cross from substitute Sebastian Giovinco; Florenzi ghosted in from behind to net from close range.
Nyland then denied Giovinco while Florenzi had a goal ruled out for offside before Pellè gave the Azzurri victory with a powerful volley. Norway, who had topped the group while leading 1-0, suddenly found themselves consigned to the play-offs after Croatia won in Malta.
