Graziano Pellè took the blame for Italy trailing in the first half, but scored to turn things around against Norway.

The Southampton striker missed a free header when Norway were 1-0 up, then he and Alessandro Florenzi sealed a 2-1 victory.

“It makes us proud to represent the entire nation. The Coach certainly doesn’t lack grit and that bleeds through to the squad,” he told Rai Sport.

Graziano Pellè took the blame for Italy trailing in the first half, but scored to turn things around against Norway.

The Southampton striker missed a free header when Norway were 1-0 up, then he and Alessandro Florenzi sealed a 2-1 victory.

“It makes us proud to represent the entire nation. The Coach certainly doesn’t lack grit and that bleeds through to the squad,” he told Rai Sport.

“We deserved to be in front in the first half, yet went into the locker room a goal down. It was mainly my fault, as I should’ve scored that header from Mattia De Sciglio’s cross.

“I really should’ve scored and looking back at the footage it looks even worse! All I can say is the ball took a strange bounce.

“That was my fourth Italy goal, I always want to improve and there’s not long to go before the Euros, so we have to try and make the most of the chances we’re given.

“The Norwegian goalkeeper made some great saves. They absolutely had to win, so they were very motivated, but we had to prove our team has to win every match.”

Italy’s comeback really began once they moved to the 4-2-4 system, which proved so successful against Azerbaijan.

“If I had scored, then the 3-5-2 system would’ve paid off. We work with the Coach throughout the week, trying both systems, so we are happy to use either one.

“Antonio Conte is a great Coach who always tries to focus on the details. He wants to win, as he is a winner and transmits that mentality to us. We’ll try our best, then see what happens.”

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