Player Ratings: Norway 0-2 Italy – Euro 2016 Qualifiers

Date: 9th September 2014 at 11:12pm
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Simone Zaza - Norway v Italy took on Norway in Oslo in their first Euro 2016 qualification match and came out 2-0 winners, their first victory in Norway for over 70 years.

The game saw the Azzurri deploy Antonio Conte’s now familiar 3-5-2 formation with Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile leading the line.

It was Sassuolo man who opened the scoring, on only his second ever Italy appearance, before Leonardo Bonucci made it two midway through the second half.

Did we get our ratings right? Have your say in the comments below.

Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Bored

Had little to do overall and could have went on an excursion to see some fjords.

Davide Astori – 6 – Solid

Was the player Norway seemed to target most, but handled himself well with the help of De Sciglio.

Andrea Ranocchia – 6.5 – Right

Dealt well with Joshua King and did well with his positioning, with only a couple of hairy moments.

Leonardo Bonucci – 7 – Leader

As with Ranocchia made a few small mistakes at the back, but nothing of note. Did well to emerge unmarked for his goal and emerging as a leader for Italy.

Mattia De Sciglio – 7 – Growing

Made the right-wing his own and got stronger as the game went on. A bit tentative when in good crossing areas, but provided the ball for Zaza’s opener.

Alessandro Florenzi – 5.5 – Confused

His work rate cannot be questioned, but the results of that work can. Gave the ball away all too often and was reckless at times in the challenge.

Daniele De Rossi – 6.5 – Beard

Had his Andrea Pirlo mask on at times with some delightful passes. That coupled with his gladiator-style attitude mean the Juventus man could find it difficult to regain his place in Conte’s first XI.

Emanuele Giaccherini – 6 – Effort

Was brilliant against the Netherlands just five days ago, but struggled to find himself against the Norwegians. Runs and runs and runs, but that is about it.

Matteo Darmian – 6 – Low

With De Sciglio dominating the right flank, Darmian dominated the left for the most part. Tired towards the end and was replaced after an hour.

Simone Zaza – 8 – Peerless

Aggressive and tireless, especially in the first half. Looks a revelation for the Azzurri. Took his goal well, despite the slight deflection and should have had two more. Hit the bar after a delightful counter, before having another cleared off the line, following excellent individual play. A star is born, but scared of flying.

Ciro Immobile – 6 – Absent

A quiet match from the €20 million man but did some good work in backing Zaza up.

Subsitutes

Manuel Pasqual for Darmian (61 mins) – 6 – Instant impact. Crossed for Bonucci’s header.

Mattia Destro for Zaza (83 mins) –  N/A

Andrea Poli for Florenzi (86 mins) – N/A

Coach

Antonio Conte – 6.5 – Sure

A more accomplished Italy performance than we have seen over the last year or so. Credit for the Darmain/Pasqual change as it immediately resulted in a goal.

 

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