Norway and Italy clashed in today's final round of Group A matches at the European Under-21 Championship, with top spot on offer for the team that could claim victory in Tel Aviv.
A tight encounter was goalless heading into stoppage time, but Norway were handed a dramatic late penalty as Stefan Strandberg tussled with Luca Caldirola inside the area.
Strandberg stepped up to convert the spot kick for his side, but there was more late drama as Andrea Bertolacci equalised for the Azzurri deep into four added minutes.
Here, look back at a last-gasp draw which earned Italy bragging rights heading into the semi-finals with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute commentary below.
Afternoon European football fans. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for live coverage of this afternoon's final Group B fixture between Italy and Norway. Both sides are gearing up for the semi-finals and should have the freedom to play an open, attractive match without pressure this afternoon.
Technically Norway need a point today in order to guarantee qualification from Group B, but it would take a minor mathematical miracle for Israel to take their place in the last four. Tor Ole Skullerud's side are unbeaten so far in the tournament, taking four points from their first two matches, including an impressive 3-1 win over England.
Italy have been flawless so far in Group B, scoring five goals and keeping two clean sheets in consecutive victories. Devis Maniga's men have controlled matches with an efficient approach and are likely to take advantage of their considerable strength in depth this afternoon. The Azzurri still need a point to confirm top spot in the group and avoid a potential meeting with Spain in the semi-finals, so expect to see them aim for victory against a spirited Norway side.
Just a reminder that there is one other match taking place as Group B concludes this afternoon, with Israel facing England in Jerusalem. Stuart Pearce's side are already out of the tournament after losing their first two matches, while Israel need a crushing victory to keep alive faint hopes of pipping Norway to second place.
TEAM NEWS! As expected both teams have opted to give squad players a chance in their third match in six days, but both teams still look very strong on paper. A full rundown of both starting XI's will follow in just a few moments.
NORWAY: Ostbo, Linnes, Rogne, Hedenstad, Berisha, Henriksen, Nordtveit, De Lanlay, Konradssen, Nielsen, King
ITALY: Bardi, Donati, Capuano, Caldirola, Regini, Rossi, Crimi, Sansone, Destro, Paloschi, Saponara
Despite ringing the changes today Norway's side still has considerable experience, with 55 senior caps among their starting XI. Former Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers striker Joshua King leads the line in attack, while Vegar Hedenstad returns from suspension to start in central defence.
Italy have decided to rest Marco Verratti and Fabio Borini this afternoon, while Lorenzo Insigne is also not risked after spraining his ankle against Israel on Saturday. Roma forward Mattia Destro starts in attack, partnered by AC Milan youngster Alberto Paloschi. Another Milan starlet will provide support from midfield, with Riccardo Sapanora picked to play in an advanced supporting role.
Norway's senior side have a friendly this evening, but a number of the national team's regular starters have been made available for this tournament. King and Markus Henriksen were among a quartet that travelled overnight to join the squad in Israel following a World Cup qualifier on Friday, with both key players starting today's match in Tel Aviv.
In total tonight's Azzurri side actually features seven changes from their 4-0 rout over Israel last weekend, which is perhaps a sign that they are resting their key players for an upcoming semi-final. Keep an eye out for German-born winger Nicola Sansone tonight, who has impressed on a number of occasions for Parma this season.
PREDICTION! With both sides out and about to sing their national anthems there is just about time for me to register a guess at the scoreline in Tel Aviv. With Italy resting Verratti I think Norway can take advantage to steal top spot in the group, with King netting in a 2-1 victory.
The pre-match rituals are just about complete in Tel Aviv, which means this clash between Group B's most consistent performers is ready to get underway! A reminder that it would take a six-goal swing against Norway to deny them a place in the last four, but stranger things have happened in tournament football.
Norway get the match underway, shooting from right to left. Italy are quickly awarded a free kick as Berisha fouls Saponara in central midfield, with Crimi quickly returning the favour by bringing down Henriksen in a similar position just moments later.
King gets involved in a bright early attack for Norway, driving down the left flank before settling for a corner quick after an important covering challenge from the full-back Donati. Hedenstad's curling cross from the corner is dangerous, but Italy keeper Barti deals with the danger by punching clear with authority.
Italy decide to keep possession deep inside their own half, with Crimi eventually smashing clear under pressure from King. Norway are pressing high in the early stages of the match, with De Lanlay and Nielsen staying wide in advanced positions.
Another break down the left for Norway sees King show quick feet to keep possession and evade two tackles, before Italy skipper Capuano puts in a block challenge to retrieve possession for the Azzurri. A tight start to the match so far, with Norway looking more positive and trying to force the issue going forward.
A promising spell of Italian possession breaks down as Sansone's heavy diagonal pass aimed towards Regini flies out for a throw in. Donati is then quickly warned on the opposite flank for a heavy challenge on Nielsen, with King's cross from the resulting attack too strong for De Lanlay at the far post.
SHOT! Sansone finishes a strong run into the final third by driving from distance towards goal, with his powerful strike central enough to allow Ostbo to make a routine save. Saponara then drives into the penalty area in a quick attack for the Azzurri, but his looping cross is overhit and trickles wide a goal kick. A more positive spell for Italy, who now look to be finding their rhythm in possession.
Norway's persistent pressing forces a mistake from Donati, who concedes a corner kick under pressure from King. Once again Hedenstad's curling cross from the corner is a disappointment, with Bardi able to come and claim under virtually no pressure.
De Lanlay shows superb close control to bring down a long diagonal ball, with his inside pass finding King outside the penalty area. His clever backheel looks for the forward burst from Berisha, but Caldirola reads the danger to clear his lines. Italy then break at the other end through Sansone, who has a low shot blocked by Nordtveit.
Berisha carves open a static Italian defence with movement out wide, but his final pass forward towards King finds the lone striker in an offside position. Italy are struggling to cope with the pace set by their opponents, who look hungry for the victory that would see them finish top of the group.
CHANCE! Hedenstad helps Norway avoid disaster in defence, with Saponara unable to capitalise on indecision in the back four. The midfielder had time to shoot from inside the penalty area, but hesitated and allowed a covering challenge to come in. Sansone is quick to launch another Italy attack, cutting side before smashing just past the post from 20 yards. Finally some signs that Italy are capable of attacking with pace and purpose in this match.
Italy win their first corner as Rogne blocks a cross from Crimi behind, with King's headed clearance quickly giving the Azzurri another set-piece opportunity. Unfortunately Sansone's attempt to take short towards Saponara is very disappointing, allowing Norway to clear their lines with relative ease.
King wants a free kick just outside the penalty area after going down in a tussle with Rossi, but the referee waves away his strong appeal. Italy use the chance to build with a patient spell of possession, but Sapanaro's attempt to find Donati on the overlap is too strong and trickles out for a throw.
SAVE! Italy coach Maniga is audible on the touchline, screaming instructions at his players an urging them to improve in possession. The Azzurri nearly oblige by taking the lead through Rossi, who had a strike from outside the box deflected just beyond the top corner by Rossi. From the following corner kick Capuano has a looping header just touched over by Ostbo, with Norway living dangerously after slack marking on two occasions.
Norway launch a promising attack of their own through Nielsen, who blasts into the path of De Lanlay with a wayward drive from distance. The forward attempts to control the misplaced shot but is definitely offside, with play eventually stopped by a slightly late flag from the linesman.
Saponara twists and turns out wide, creating a yard of space before sending a curling cross into the penalty area. Paloschi and Destro are waiting to pounce inside the box, but an important covering header Nordtveit allows Norway to clear despite being outnumbered at the back. Quality delivery has been lacking from both sides so far today, with that attack eventually proving a prime example.
CHANCE! Norway win a corner kick as Hedenstad and Konradsen have a pair of crosses blocked clear, with Paloschi back to defend and smash clear any danger at the near post. Italy break swiftly and with purpose through Sansone, who finds Destro with a clever pass. The striker drives inside the penalty area and shoots at goal, with his precise low effort just parried clear by a late stop from Ostbo. That was the most clear-cut opportunity of the first period, but the Roma forward was unable to take advantage.
YELLOW CARD! Italy again look to break in numbers after clearing their lines, but Rossi's final pass sprayed towards Paloschi has too much power and flies out for a throw-in on the far side. The Azzurri are then awarded a free kick just before the break, with Norway captain Rogne penalised for controlling with his hand.
HALF-TIME Norway 0-0 Italy
King's headed clearance proves to the final action of a tight but entertaining first period. Italy have looked more likely to score so far this afternoon, but a pair of smart stops from Norway goalkeeper Ostbo have ensured that the game remains goalless at the interval.
After a slow start Italy have begun to control possession and territory this afternoon, with Sansone and Rossi particularly impressive in short bursts. Destro should probably have given Mangia's side the lead, with his low strike just before the break just tipped clear by Ostbo.
Norway look a disciplined, spirited side with ability going forward, but lone striker King has been isolated for much of the first period. Nielsen and De Lanlay have attempted to support in wide areas, regularly getting forward without finding a pinpoint cross for the Blackburn Rovers forward.
SCORE UPDATE! A quick update from today's other Group A clash, with Israel and England also goalless after a quiet first half in Jerusalem. No sign of the miraculous six-goal swing that would see Norway fail to reach the last four, with Skullerud's side now surely sure of a semi-final spot.
With qualification in the bag Norway now have the challenge of finishing top of the group, a position that can be achieved by beating Italy when play resumes. Finding a consistent supply line for King is the challenge for Skullerud's men, while the Azzurri will stay patient and look to hit on the counter.
SUBSTITUTION: Italy have made a change at the interval, bringing on Genoa youngster Bertolacci in place of Sapanora. The Azzurri are quickly on the defensive when play resumes, with Bardi forced to come and claim a lofted cross towards the far post from Henriksen.
Caldirola just hesitates in possession and is penalised for a late lunge on Berget, conceding a free kick around 30 yards from goal. The following cross from Nordtveit is dangerous, with the delivery just evading an attempted volley from Nielsen at the far post. Early warning signs here for Italy as they look to maintain top spot in Group A.
Norway have definitely settled quicker in this second period, with King just drifting offside as he attempts to meet a clever flick forward from Nielsen. The striker had time to look across the line then and really should not have been caught on his heels in an offside position. Italy break at the other end through Sansone, who smashes well wide with a strike from distance.
A vital covering header clear from Rogne denies Crimi at the far post, but concedes a corner kick in the process. Italy sweep a cross into six-yard box from the following set piece, which Norway smash clear at the second time of asking after Ostbo dropped the ball in a rare error.
SUBSTITUTION: Norway have been forced to make a change through injury, with former Celtic defender Rogne limping to the touchline. He is replaced by Strandberg in a straight swap, but the experienced centre-back was outstanding against England on Saturday and should slot in capably alongside Nordtveit.
Superb play on the left flank from King wins a corner kick for Norway, with the forward's cross blocked behind by a lung-busting block from Donati. A deep delivery from Hedenstad beyond the far post is hacked clear by Italy, with the midfielder still searching for a precise cross from that range.
MISS! Destro really should have just put Italy ahead in this match after an incisive counter. The forward met a pass inside the penalty area but hesitated with the chance to shoot, allowing Ostbo to come off his line to force him wide. After several touches Destro eventually shot from a tight angle, firing a low effort just past the near post. In a more meaningful match Azzurri coach Mangia would be furious with the Roma man's wasteful finishing there from close range.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Both teams have made another change early in the second half, perhaps with one eye on the semi-final. Italy have swapped Rossi for versatile midfielder Florenzi, while Norway swap winger Nielsen for Kastrati. When play resumes Destro gets the chance to atone for that earlier miss, but instead blazes well over from just inside the penalty area.
OFF THE BAR! Norway come within inches of taking the lead through Hedenstad, who unleashes a ferocious drive from 30 yards after finally connecting properly with a free kick. The midfielder's swerving drive travels at speed towards goal, eventually clipping the crossbar before bouncing behind. Italy keeper Bardi looked to get a late touch on the ball, which means that must go down as a quite magnificent save given the power behind that strike from range.
Florenzi just fails to get enough power behind an instinctive effort at goal, sending a tame strike with the outside of his left foot safely through to Ostbo. At the other De Lanlay drives into the penalty area but at the crucial time his touch deserts him, allowing Capuano to scramble clear. Both sides are still searching for a goal that will guarantee top spot in Group A, with frustration the key theme since the break.
SUBSTITUTION: Italy make their final change of the match, swapping Destro for Gabbiadini in attack. That is definitely a case of swapping an in-form forward for a struggling striker, with Gabbiadini on target twice against Israel on Saturday. With Borini also waiting in the wings he has around 15 minutes to stake a claim for a place in Mengia's starting XI for this weekend's semi-final.
SUBSTITUTION: Norway quickly return the favour by changing their options in attack, with Ibrahim taking King's place in a lone strike role. The former Manchester City forward will provide fresh legs in the closing stages, but is quickly penalised for a needless foul on Crimi in his first action of the match.
While still competitive this match has definitely lost an edge in the last 10 minutes, with Norway reluctant to press forward and risk losing their unbeaten record. Italy are quick to launch the next attack, but Paloschi is caught in static position when trying to meet a cross from Bertolacci. The Milan forward has been largely anonymous today, failing to press home his claim to start in the knockout stages.
YELLOW CARD! Ibrahim fails to learn his lesson from that earlier challenge, earning a caution after bundling over Gabbiadini with a late barge. The foul hands Italy the chance to strike at goal from 25 yards, with Gabbiadini opting for power over placement as his strike flies over the top corner.
De Lanlay burst down the right flank with purpose for Norway, winning a corner kick thanks to a sliding tackle from Capuano. Hedenstad's curling cross floats dangerously towards the near post, but at the second time of asking Gabbiadini is well placed to smash clear for Italy.
Norway are presented with another set-piece opportunity late on as Regini brings down Berisha near the corner flag. Hedenstad again takes and fires into the penalty area, but an out-swinging cross is once again dealt with by an assured Italian rearguard. The Azzurri are still to concede in the tournament, and on this evidence will be difficult to breach in the latter stages.
PENALTY TO NORWAY! Deep into stoppage time the referee has awarded a spot kick to Norway, with Italy penalised for pushing in the penalty area from a free kick. Caldirola had just been booked for a push on Strandberg and again tangled with the defender in the area, conceding a spot kick as a result. If Norway score from the spot they will surely top the group.
GOAL! Norway 1-0 Italy (Strandberg)
Strandberg decides to take the penalty himself and with the pressure on the central defender is unmoved, sending a precise low effort beyond Baldi and into the bottom corner. Italy looked stunned but have been punished heavily for a late lapse in concentration, which looks to have cost them top spot in Group A. Norway have kept fighting and are now moments from leapfrogging the Azzurri to finish first in the group.
GOAL! Norway 1-1 Italy (Bertolacci)
With seconds on the clock there is somehow still time for Italy to snatch a superb last-gasp equaliser. Bertolacci took full advantage of a late Ostbo error to improvise brilliantly inside the penalty area, hooking an effort into the top corner with his back to goal. Strandberg was well placed to clear on the line, but was beaten by a quality finish that went straight into the net. What drama in Tel Aviv, with Italy now back to the top of Group A!
FULL-TIME Norway 1-1 Italy
Well that was quite a finish in Group A, with two strikes in stoppage time eventually seeing Italy and Norway share the points in a dramatic conclusion. That result means that the Azzurri finish top of the pool with seven points, while Norway also qualify for the semi-finals with five points from their three games.
Today's other match proved irrelevant to the semi-final hunt, but Israel were still able to compound further misery on England with a memorable 1-0 success over Stuart Pearce's side. The hosts finish with their heads held high, but Italy, Norway, Spain and the Netherlands will contest the semi-finals this weekend.
That just about does it for Sports Mole's coverage of the Under-21 showpiece today. Thanks for your time and be sure to stick with us for comprehensive coverage from Israel all week. Good evening!
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
Spain U21s
