Italy have taken a 1-0 lead into the halfway stage of their opening Euro 2016 qualifier against Norway this evening in Antonio Conte's first competitive match in charge of the side.
The visitors made a quick start to the match and created the first opening within three minutes, but Daniele de Rossi's first-time pass into the area was just behind Simone Zaza.
Zaza had more luck in the 16th minute, however, picking up his first international goal with a strike that took a big deflection off Havard Nordtveit on its way past Orjan Nyland.
Norway responded well to going behind and almost restored parity in the 20th minute when Joshua King latched on to Per Skjelbred's through-ball, only to fire his shot narrowly over.
King threatened again 10 minutes later as he worked himself a yard of space on the edge of the box before seeing his strike deflected just past the post.
Italy's next chance came shortly after that as they hit the hosts on the break, but Nyland was equal to Emanuele Giaccherini's powerful effort.
Giaccherini had another chance to double his side's lead shortly before the break, but he fired an effort narrowly wide as the Azzurri were forced to settle for just a one-goal lead at half time.
Barney Corkhill
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