Stefan Johansen is confident that Norway can beat Italy on Tuesday night to book their place in the finals of the European Championships.
The Celtic midfielder helped Norway to a 2-0 home win over Malta yesterday but an entirely different test awaits the Norwegians when they travel to Rome.
Norway currently have a two point lead over Croatia who host Malta at the same time as the action kicks off in the Stadio Olympico.
Despite losing 2-0 at home to Italy last September Johansen believes that they can succeed on Tuesday night to avoid going into the play-off draw.
“We’re going to Italy to win and get the three points,” the Celtic midfielder said. “That is what we are banking on, we must do what we are good at, and then we’ll see how it goes.
“This is a very tight group but we have to be optimistic. It’s in our favour that Italy have qualified but at the same time they can play without pressure. With the quality that they have it might make them even better.”
While Norway remain in control of their destination there was frustration for Nir Bitton as Israel lost 2-1 at home to Cyprus despite a stunning goal from the Celtic midfielder.
That result allowed Wales to qualify leaving Israel, Cyprus and Bosnia to scrap for a play off place with Israel finishing their campaign away to Belgium on Tuesday while Cyprus host Bosnia.
Cyprus are two points behind Bosnia but after winning in Israel will be confident of beating Bosnia on home soil to reach the play-off stage.
