Alexander Tettey spanked home a fantastic hit from the edge of the box with Norway’s only shot in the first-half before Alessandro Florenzi poked home the equaliser in the second half.
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Italy will play Norway in a Euro 2016 soccer qualifying group H match Tuesday, October 13.
Norway tried to pack their defence and waste time after the break and their tactics frustrated Italy, who appeared to be heading for their first competitive home defeat since they lost to Denmark in September 1999.
They are two points adrift of pool leaders Italy, who have secured their ticket to next year’s tournament in France.
The outcome at the Stadio Olimpico, coupled with Croatia’s victory, has left Norway one point adrift of the Croatians, who have qualified alongside the Italians for the European Championship.
The Italian FA are said to want a decision by March, while the report claims that Conte has instructed his agents to be open to offers from foreign clubs.
“Our only focus is on this game”.
After two consecutive World Cup washouts, Italy, the four-time world champions, may no longer instill fear like they used to. “We have different options and nothing is better than that”.
Italy have a two-point lead on Norway, so anything other than a loss will see them stay atop the group.
As for the Chelsea option, Conte has never hidden his admiration for the Premier League and its allure.
The most recent contest ended in a 2-0 win for the Azzurri in September 2014 in what was Antonio Conte’s first match in charge of the national team.
Norway kicked off in the second and final automatic place and ahead of Croatia by two points.
“Our goal will be to finish in the top four, but it will depend on how good we are and how things fall in place”.
“We will honour the qualifying phase by playing a great game against Norway in Rome”.
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In the pair’s absence, Conte has taken a liking to Brazilian-born Eder and Graziano Pelle of Southampton, with Stephan El Shaarawy also in the mix.
