Aquilani holds his nerve

Few opportunities
Aquilani, the Italian playmaker, converted the 89th-minute spot-kick to decide a Group A match of few goalscoring opportunities. Playing in torrential rain, Italy had the better of a tight first half but struggled to break down a well-organised Norway defence.

Norway improve
Egil Olsen's side grew in confidence in the second period but still both sides struggled to create chances until a foul in his own penalty box by Norway substitute Vegard Lie opened the door for AS Roma's Aquilani to take all three points for Italy.