Alex Tettey scores for Norway against Italy

Ghana-born Alexander Tettey scared Italy with a brilliant first half strike in the Azzurris 2-1 win against Norway in the 2016 Euro qualifier on Tuesday night.

The 29-year-old Norwich City player, who was born in Accra to Ghanaian parents, fired the Scandinavians ahead with a brilliant low drive effort in the 23rd minute but Alessandro Florenzi and Graziano Pellè both struck for the Azzurri in the final 16 minutes to secure top spot in Group H and send Norway into the play-offs.

Tettey, capped 27 times by Norway, hit a low shot beyond Gianluigi Buffon to put the home side’s streak of 49 consecutive unbeaten qualifying matches under threat.

But Antonio Conte’s side dominated thereafter and equalised through Alessandro Florenzi’s close-range effort in the 74th minute. The comeback was completed nine minutes later courtesy of a shot from Southampton’s Graziano Pellè that flew into the top-right corner.

Tettey’s experience for Norway including spells from U18, U19 and U21 sides before graduating to play for the first team.

Though Tettey was born in Ghana to Ghanaian parents, he was not approached by the Ghana FA during his spell with Rosenborg BK where he flourished for seasons before moving to join French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes en route to a move to Norwich City who are now playing in the English top-flight.