Italy vs Norway: Head to head statistics
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Italy vs Norway recommended bets
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Italy vs Norway match preview
Will Italy book their place in the under-21 European Championships knockout stages?
On matchday one, Gli Azzurrini were controversially denied a point against France, seemingly equalising in the 92nd minute, with Allard Lindhout wrongly missing the fact the ball had clearly gone over the line.
Nevertheless, Paolo Nicolato’s team got back on track on Sunday by beating Switzerland in Cluj-Napoca.
Lorenzo Pirola broke the deadlock after just six minutes, heading home Sandro Tonali’s corner, Wilfried Gnonto then bundled home from close-range shortly after before.
Then, in first half stoppage time, Fabiano Parisi pounced on some lackadaisical defending, extending his team’s lead to three.
However, the Swiss fought back, making it 3-2 by the 52nd minute, but Italy held on to prevail, just.
Norway meanwhile are yet to get off the mark, first beaten 2-1 by Switzerland, despite taking the lead through Emil Konradsen Ceïde.
Then, at the weekend, Leif Gunnar Smerud’s team were defeated 1-0 by France at Stadionul Dr. Constantin Rădulescu, with les Bleuets’ match-winner coming on the hour mark.
Despite being pointless, Norway aren’t quite out of contention just yet; they must win by two-clear goals, and hope France beat the Swiss simultaneously.
Those permutations may remain in the realm of hypothetical, with Italy set to take the point at at Cluj Arena.
Italy team news
Having scored Italy’s second on Sunday, Wilfried Gnonto has surely done enough to earn another start.
Newcastle United fans will be keeping a close eye on midfielder Sandro Tonali, who’s already provided three assists in two games at this tournament.
Norway team news
Oscar Bobb will continue in attack; no, he’s not the Norwegian Manchester City attacker I first think of either!
In goal, Mads Hedenstad Christiansen started the first game before Leeds’ Kristoffer Klaesson came in on Sunday.
Under-21 Euros Group D table
Under-21 Euros Group D results and fixtures
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