Norway vs. Italy: Date, Time, Live Stream, TV Info and Preview

The road to Euro 2016 begins in earnest for Italy on Tuesday, as they travel to Oslo to tackle Norway in qualification Group H.

The game signals the start of a fresh era for the Azzurri, as new national team boss Antonio Conte takes charge of his first competitive game. And after his side produced a fine display to topple Netherlands 2-0 in a friendly in his very first match as boss, the former Juventus manager will be desperate for his team to get off to positive start in their qualification process.

But Norway showcased their resilience in a recent friendly against England, and they’ll be keen to get their own campaign off to a flyer in front of the home supporters. 

Here’s all the information you need on where to catch what promises to be an encapsulating contest on the box and via an online stream. We’ll also take a closer look at both sides and see who’s better equipped to get their campaign off to a winning start.

Date: 9 September 2014

Time: 7:45 p.m. (BST), 2:45 p.m. (ET)

Live Stream: Sky Go App (UK)

TV Info: Live on Sky Sports 1

Likely Line-ups

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Norway (4-4-2): Jarstein; Hogli, Nordtveit, Foren, Hagen; Pedersen, Jenssen, Skjelbred, Tettey; Elyounoussi, King

Italy (4-3-3): Buffon; Maggio, Chiellini, Bonucci, De Sciglio; De Rossi, Verratti, Marchisio; Destro, Immobile, Zaza

While much of the focus was on England’s moribund display following their 1-0 win at Wembley, little acclaim was sent the way of the visitors. The Norwegians produced some superb last-ditch defending in the first half to keep out a Three Lions onslaught, and all-in-all they looked extremely cohesive for long spells.

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In fact, during the second period, they could have taken the lead if it weren't for a pair of stunning saves from Joe Hart, former Manchester United man Josh King testing the city ‘keeper on both occasions.

There was certainly enough there to suggest that this is a team that can cause problems for some of the bigger outfits in this qualification set-up. Indeed, if the Scandinavians had shown a little more composure on the break, they could have left Wembley with a famous win. Instead, they continued their winless run, which now stands at six matches.

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But all eyes will be on Italy ahead of this one, and especially Conte. The Azzurri looked like a team reborn against the Netherlands, playing with a renewed vigour and intensity that was somewhat scarce during their World Cup showings under Cesare Prandelli.

James Horncastle of BT Sport branded the display against the Dutch as “pragmatic, enthusiastic and focused," per ESPN FC:

For Conte, the serious stuff starts in Oslo, though. Italy have been drawn in one of the less favourable qualification groups—they’ll face Croatia and Bulgaria as well as Norway—and a defeat in the opening game would set a really poor precedent for the campaign to come. Not to mention heap the pressure on the new boss.

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But the former Juventus manager is a classy operator who's well-versed in these kinds of high-pressure occasions. The Bianconeri typically flourished in the big games under his tutelage, and you suspect his influence will help the Azzurri do the same. Indeed, beIN Sports’ Matteo Bonetti noticed some subtle but significant differences against the Dutch:

With neither team likely to play in the most enterprising of styles at this stage of their development, the clash in Oslo could quickly develop into a tight affair. Getting off to a losing start would be a disaster for either team, so expect both sides to start with a conservative safety-first mantra and be cautious in their forward forays.

But with Italy’s quality in midfield—something that should see them dominate possession for long spells—expect the hosts the tire and afford Azzurri a few opportunities late on. That’ll ultimately cost them and allow Conte’s side to nick a narrow victory in what promises to be one of their tougher qualification clashes.

Prediction: Norway 0-1 Italy