The sharks have been proverbially circling Antonio Conte since he succeeded Cesare Prandelli as Italy boss last summer, but Saturday night's victory over Azerbaijan, three points which sealed the Azzurri's passage to next summer's European championships, alleviated much of the pressure on the Italian's position.

His side now welcome Norway to the Stadio Olimpico in a tie that could decide who tops Group H when the qualifying campaign concludes. 

Draw or victory against the Norwegians would solidify the Azzurri's position at the summit of the table, though a loss would see Tuesday's opponents leapfrog Conte's side into top spot.

Croatia, in the meantime, travel to Malta knowing that, should Norway take nothing from their clash with the Italians, three points would secure automatic qualification and see the Norwegians drop into the play-off positions.

Form

Italy are unbeaten this campaign and will be looking to validate their flawless record with victory over Norway.

They have been fortunate in regards to the strength of their opponents, however, as Saturday evening's win over Azerbaijan was a rare convincing display for Conte's side.

Goals from Eder, Stephan El Shaarawy and Matteo Darmian secured qualification for the Azzurri, with Eder, who may drop out of the side for the visit of Norway, a thorn in the hosts' rearguard.

Norway, in the meantime, disposed of Malta with consummate ease and are unbeaten in five since they suffered a 5-1 mauling at the hands of Croatia.

Alexander Tettey and Alexander Søderlund were on the scoresheet on Saturday evening as Norway kept Croatia, their closest competitors, at arms length ahead of Tuesday night's showdown.

Previous meetings

The Italians boast the superior head-to-head record, having recorded four victories and a draw in their previous five encounters.

These sides last met during Antonio Conte's debut as Italy head coach, when goals from Simone Zaza and Leonardo Bonucci secured all three points for the Azzurri.

Team news

Antonio Conte fielded an unorthodox 4-2-4 formation during Italy's victory over Azerbaijan at the weekend, with the dynamic front duo of Graziano Pelle and Eder flanked by El Shaarawy and Antonio Candreva.

It remains unclear whether the Azzurri boss will deviate from that system, though he is widely expected to ring the changes after his side secured their passage to next summer's European Championships.

Diminutive forward, Giovinco, who impressed in his brief cameo at the weekend, is likely to lead the line alongside Pelle, while Giacomo Bonaventura could partner Daniele De Rossi in midfield -- although Riccardo Montolivo, who has yet to start in Azzurri colours since he sustained that horrible leg break before the World Cup last summer, may be given the nod.

Norway, meanwhile, have been hit with no fresh injury concerns, with Per-Mathias Høgmo expected to deploy his side in their customary 4-3-3 formation.

Probable line-ups

Italy (4-4-2): Buffon; Darmian, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Sciglio; Florenzi, Bonaventura, De Rossi, El Shaarawy; Pelle, Giovinco.

Norway (4-3-3): Nyland, Hovland, Elabdellaoui, Aleesami, Forren; Tettey, Johansen, Soederlund; Henriksen, Skjelbred, Berget.

Verdict

Complaceny has been a hallmark of Conte's tenure thus far and, with qualification set in stone, Italy may take their foot off the gas and allow Norway a sniff. They have developed a knack of grinding out positive results, however, and Tuesday evening may be no different.

Prediction: Italy 1-1 Norway