Euro 2016

[monks data]

European Championship | Qualifiers

Sep 9, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Norway Norway
0-2
Italy

FT(HT: 0-1)

Zaza (16'), Bonucci (62')

Italy ease past Norway to open Antonio Conte era with a win

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 09 September 2014

Goals from Simone Zaza and Leonardo Bonucci hand Italy a 2-0 win over Norway in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier and Antonio Conte's first competitive match in charge.

Italy have eased to a 2-0 win over Norway in Antonio Conte's first competitive match in charge of the team as they began their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with three points.

The Azzurri started the match brightly, breaking forward after just three minutes to create an opening, but Daniele de Rossi's pass was just too far behind Simone Zaza.

Zaza would not have to wait too much longer for another chance, however, and this time he took full advantage, firing a deflected effort past the keeper for his first international goal.

Simone Zaza of Italy #7 scores the first goal during the UEFA EURO 2016 qualifier match between Norway and Italy at Ullevaal Stadion on September 9, 2014 © Getty Images

Falling behind seemed to spark Norway into life as they responded well to the setback, with Joshua King firing narrowly over having been released by Per Skjelbred.

King came close again just before the half-hour mark as he worked space to shoot from outside the box, but his effort deflected just wide.

Italy threatened to double their advantage shortly afterwards as Emanuele Giaccherini led a break, but his powerful effort was beaten away by Orjan Nyland.

Giaccherini had another chance to grab a second for his side shortly before the interval as he collected the ball on the edge of the box, only to fire his half-volley wide.

Conte's side did finally extend their lead just past the hour mark as Manuel Pasqual made an immediate impact off the bench, swinging a cross to the back post that Leonardo Bonucci converted with a powerful header.

Things almost got even better for the visitors in the 77th minute as Ciro Immobile released Zaza with a stylish flick, but the Sassuolo striker rattled the crossbar with his effort, while Alessandro Florenzi's rebound was saved by Nyland.

Zaza came close yet again shortly afterwards as he beat a defender before chipping an effort over the keeper, only for Vegard Forren to get back and clear the ball off the line.

There was no way back for Norway in the closing stages of the match as the visitors made a winning start to their Group H campaign.