Italy coach Antonio Conte praised his team and claimed they were on the right path following their 2-0 win against Norway.

The Azzurri produced a solid performance in their Euro 2016 qualifying Group H opener in Oslo on Tuesday.

Goals from Simone Zaza and Leonardo Bonucci gave Italy their second victory under Conte and their first on Norwegian soil since 1937.

“I am extremely pleased,” Conte said.

“In nine days we have managed to achieve truly important things.

“Of course, we must improve and, especially, continue to get to know each other.”

He added: “It wasn’t an easy task to come here and get three points. The national team had not won in Norway in a long time. I really don’t think it will be easy for any (Group H) rival to beat Norway.”

Conte has made sweeping changes since taking over from Cesare Prandelli following Italy’s failed World Cup campaign in Brazil. He warned the team will take time to gel but even so was pleased with what he had seen so far.

“I don’t think (Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi) Buffon had to make many saves while we created a lot of goalscoring opportunities,” he said.

“Of course, there is room for improvement because we have only trained together a few days.

“I believe we have done a good job. I am happy to see the determination in these players, who are eager to improve and do better.

“There were seven new players with respect to the team that played at the World Cup, all of whom are 23 years of age and we must believe in them.”

One of those players is Sassuolo striker Zaza, who made his senior debut in last week’s 2-0 triumph over Holland in an international friendly.

Zaza, the first Sassuolo player to have received a call-up to the national team, had another impressive display against Norway and scored his first goal for the country.

“I’ve experienced a dream week,” Zaza said.

“My aim now is to keep my place in this team and to continue to do well.”

Zaza is expected to feature in Italy’s next qualifier against Azerbaijan in Palermo on October 10.

However, it remains to be seen if Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli will return to the Azzurri squad.

Balotelli, who was suspended for the game in Norway, was omitted by Conte for the previous clash against Holland.

Conte sent another message, widely interpreted in the Italian media as a message to Balotelli, after Tuesday’s win.

“I need people that are hungry, not people that have fame. We are not turning back,” Conte was quoted as saying in the Italian newspapers yesterday.

“I need people that think and play for the team.”