Italy 2-1 Norway: Azzurri comeback consigns Scandinavians to play-offs

Italy won the group with 24 points and Croatia, who had a point deducted for a swastika that was painted on the pitch before June’s 1-1 draw against Italy in Split, finished second with 20.

Italy have already qualified for the EURO 2016 when they beat Azerbaijan 3-1 on Saturday.

Despite Italy’s struggles to score during their qualifying, theoretically they should still be among the best 16 European sides.

“We want to win”.

And Norway appeared on course for the finals when Alexander Tettey opened the scoring in the 23rd minute.

But Conte said: “For France 2016, we’re not among the favourites and I can’t tell you whether in Europe we’re among the top four, the top six or the top 18”.

After two consecutive World Cup washouts, Italy, the four-time world champions, may no longer instill fear like they used to.

Italy have a two-point lead on Norway, so anything other than a loss will see them stay atop the group.

Complicating matters for the visitors is the fact Croatia will be heavily tipped to claim an away win at Malta, who sit bottom of the group with just two points from nine games.

As for the Chelsea option, Conte has never hidden his admiration for the Premier League and its allure.

Alessandro Florenzi (Italy) The only Italy player to regularly cause a degree of panic in the Norway defence for the first hour with his jinking runs, risky crosses and, when the opportunities presented themselves, fierce shots. Simone Zaza, now of Juventus, and Leonardo Bonucci were on the scoresheet.

Marco Verratti will not be risked against Norway at the Stadio Olimpico after picking up a knock, with Conte warning those outside the squad to earn a place ahead of the Euros. “This is the right mentality because we always go out on the pitch ready to win”.

“We need to give continuity to our performances”, he said.

Conte’s tactical system found another advocate in El Shaarawy, who added: “Eder, (Graziano) Pelle and myself linked up really well”.