Norway vs. Italy: Winners and Losers from Euro 2016 Qualifier

Having walked out on Juventus earlier this summer, Antonio Conte’s appointment as Italy coach came as something of a surprise to supporters of both sides. The Azzurri were in disarray following a dire showing at the World Cup, and the FIGC clearly saw the 45-year-old as the ideal man to restore some pride.

He enjoyed an excellent debut, notching a 2-0 win over the Netherlands, and spoke after the match about how important victories are to this new-look side. "The road is long, but these are games that give you confidence," he told the official FA website (h/t SkySports.com), adding that “wins allow you to win.”

The result should certainly have provided fresh impetus, and everyone concerned with Italy was hoping that would carry over to the first competitive fixture of the Conte era. It certainly seems that was the case.

Over the following pages is a look at the winners and losers from their 2-0 win on Tuesday.

Fresh from a man-of-the-match performance against the Netherlands, Simone Zaza once again shone for Italy. The Sassuolo striker netted the game's opening goal, turning in a display which showcased his attacking prowess on the international stage.

Rattling the crossbar with another attempt, the 23-year-old was unfortunate not to double his tally on only his second Italy appearance.

With his Juventus team-mates Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini missing the match, Leonardo Bonucci stepped up to lead the Italy back line. The 27-year-old netted the Azzurri's second goal but also shone as a dependable defender for his national side.

Making three interceptions and five clearances, WhoScored.com shows the former Bari man also completed 90 percent of his 68 pass attempts, turning in a mature performance at the heart of the defence.

The new Italy boss followed his impressive international debut with another 2-0 win in his first competitive fixture. Taking over from Cesare Prandelli after the summer's horrific World Cup showing, it was vital the Azzurri enjoyed a good start to Euro 2016 qualifying, and the former Juventus coach delivered just that.

He has quickly transformed the team, a change summed up perfectly by Roma defender Davide Astori. Speaking to reporters after the game, the former Cagliari stopper said (h/t Football Italia):

We are happy to have kept a clean sheet and allowed very few opportunities against both Norway and Holland. We need to improve, of course, but showed that we are on the right track.

I think this Italy is created entirely in Conte’s image.

Liverpool's newest signing appears to be the one Italy player to suffer a dent to his reputation over the current international break. The 24-year-old was left out of the squad due to suspension, and the Azzurri appear to not have missed him whatsoever.

The performances of Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile showed the side does not need to rely upon him, and he may need to work hard to earn a recall. Bonucci summed up that opinion shortly after the final whistle, telling reporters (h/t Football Italia):

Mario will certainly have seen the games. If he does what the Coach asks of him, then he can be a reference point for this Nazionale. The problem is he needs to understand to play for the Nazionale you have to work all together, run together and move constantly.

We’ve never had a problem with Mario. We know what his personality is like and during the World Cup I tried talking to him, but we know his character is his Achilles heel. It can make him strong and weak at the same time.