Norway vs Italy preview

September 8, 2014
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

Norway vs ItalytAfter giving a good account of themselves in a friendly defeat to England, Norway begin the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign by hosting Italy.

The Azzurri are buoyed by the 2-0 triumph over Netherlands and will surely fancy their chances of winning at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.

While participating at three World Cup finals, Norway have only once featured at a European Championship, having crashed out in group stage of the 2000 tournament.

The Nordic side now hope to end the barren run in the Euro 2016 qualifiers, but their performances in friendly matches cannot be a reason for optimism.

Norway have now won just one of their nine matches since the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign ended, although they did share spoils with Czech Republic and Russia earlier this year.

Per-Mathias Hogmo’s charges showed some promise in midweek’s loss to England, but they are no less than 5.50 (9/2) to shock Italy and claim maximum points.

Important midfielder Mats Daehli is expected to shake off a minor knock, but Martin Linnes is likely to miss out through injury.

Probable starting line-up (4-5-1): Nyland – Elabdellaoui, Forren, Nordtveit, Flo – Daehli, Jenssen, Johansen, Skjelbred, T. Elyounoussi – King.

Even if the national team chiefs wanted to continue with Cesare Prandelli after the disappointing exit from the World Cup, the former Fiorentina coach decided to resign, with Antonio Conte taking over.

The talented tactician is widely expected to lead the Azzurri to new heights and the start of his reign has been more than successful.

Conte’s Italy recorded a comfortable triumph over full-strength Netherlands side in Bari, and they are now expected to continue in the same manner.

Even if not all key players are available for the trip to Norway, the Azzurri look a good bet at 1.80 (4/5) offered at Stan James.

The visitors will be without Juventus duo Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio through injury and suspension, but there are no other worries for Antonio Conte.

Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza will again form the attacking partnership, with Marco Verratti likely to get the nod in centre midfield.

Probable starting line-up (3-5-2): Buffon – Ranocchia, Bonucci, Astori – Darmian, Verratti, De Rossi, Giaccherini, De Sciglio – Immobile, Zaza.

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