Italy (7) v (4) Norway
Italy edged out Norway 7-4 in this tightly contested all-European encounter at Melbourne stadium
Italy (7) v (4) Norway
By George Thomson
ITALY edged out Norway 7-4 in this tightly contested all-European encounter at Melbourne stadium.
Norway opened the scoring with an unusual street soccer goal; Einar Woldseth steering in a long ball looped over the top by goalkeeper Helge Sjolyst.
Italy fought back and established a stranglehold on this low scoring game through a hat-trick by clinical striker Ferrante. Often receiving the ball with his back to goal, the Italian No.16 was excellent at wriggling round defenders and working space to get shots off.
In reply, Norway unleashed their own secret weapon: hammer-footed defender Ivan Tobiassen. The purple-haired player unleashed a thunderbolt from his own half to draw Norway back to 2-3 at half time.
Within seconds of the restart, Tobiassen had done it again. This time his shot went all along the ground, but such was the power that Bangali Dimande in the Italian goal still had no chance.
Italy recovered their composure and extended their lead to 5-3, only for Norway to yet again score from within their own half.
Realising that Norway posed a threat from anywhere in the pitch, the Italian coach screamed at his team to try and monopolise possession. Luckily for his heart rate, his players responded and began to stroke the ball around confidently and reduce the Norwegians’ options.
There was still time for an outrageous piece of skill; Roberto Passio almost scoring with a flying scissor kick for the Italians.
In the end, the Azzurri's superior organisation prevailed and they were able to secure the game 7-4.
Photos: Photoworx