Italy and Norway will conclude their Group I commitments in World Cup qualifying when the pair square off at the San Siro on Sunday night.
While the two nations are separated by just one place and three points at the summit of the section, Norway’s superior goal difference means that they have all but qualified as group winners.
Stale Solbakken’s side tightened their hold on top spot by making it seven wins from seven by easing to a 4-1 win over Estonia on Thursday evening.
That latest victory means that the Lions are on the brink of booking their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
As for Italy, they had to dig deep to get the better of Moldova with a couple of late goals to claim a 2-0 win on Thursday night.
With the Azzurri now needing to make up a 17 goal swing to match Norway's goal difference, Gennaro Gattuso and his players look destined to be involved in the play-offs.
How the bookies view it: Italy to taste victory
Italy – who have won each of their last six matches in Group I – are odds-on 5/6 favourites with BOYLE Sports.
Despite boasting a 100% record in Group I, Norway are as big as 5/2 on BOYLE Sports to take top honours on Sunday night while the draw is an unfancied 13/5 with the same firm.
Head to head: Italy itching for revenge
Italy and Norway crossed paths for first the time in a decade during June’s reverse fixture, with the Scandinavian nation claiming a comprehensive 3-0 victory, a setback that coincided with Luciano Spalletti’s reign as Italy manager coming to an end.
Players to watch: Haaland hot streak to continue?
With a remarkable return of 53 goals across his 47 outings for Norway to date, Erling Haaland looks too big to ignore for an anytime strike on Sunday night at 11/10 on BOYLE Sports.
Having hit five goals across his last five appearances for Italy, Mateo Retegui also looks like an enticing option in the anytime goalscorer market here at 6/5 on BOYLE Sports.
Predicted line-ups
Italy boss Gattuso shuffled his pack against Moldova on Thursday but he is expected to name a stronger starting XI on Sunday night. Nicolo Barella is available for selection after serving a suspension last time out.
The visitors will once again be unable to call upon the service of captain Martin Odegaard. Norway manager Solbakken could stick with the same set of players that swept aside Estonia on Thursday.
Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Mancini, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Locatelli, Cristante; Politano, Retegui, Raspadori
Norway: Nyland; Ryerson, Heggem, Ajer, Bjorkan; Bobb, Berg, Berge, Nusa; Sorloth, Haaland
Anything else catch the eye?
Goals could be on the agenda at the San Siro on Sunday night, with BTTS and over 2.5 strikes looking worthy of interest at even-money (1/1) on BOYLE Sports.
This combination has clicked in three of Norway’s six outings in Group I, including two of their previous three.
Having racked up a whopping 33 strikes across their opening seven group games, the visitors appeal to hit two or more goals here at 17/10 on BOYLE Sports.
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