Italy held Olympic champions Norway to a well-deserved draw in Reutlingen, Germany.

The result leaves both teams at the top of Group B but has cast some doubt on Norway finishing as winners.

Joint favourites for the tournament Norway would be keen to claim first place to avoid meeting hosts Germany in the semi-finals.

Italy had goalkeeper Giorgia Brenzan to thank for thwarting an impressive Norway attack in the opening stages of the game.

But the Norwegians also knew that they would have to be wary of Italy's pace up front.

However, the Norway defence was penetrated as early as the 13th minute when Patrizia Panico sent a through ball to Rita Guarino who finished the move with a goal.

The goal stung Norway into action and they almost drew level moments later.

But Ragnhild Gulbrandsen failed to steer her header on target.

Missed opportunities

The equaliser came in the 16th minute, this time Gulbrandsen providing the pass to set up Dagny Mellgren who fired in off a post.

Norway went on to dominate the remainder of the, at times, bruising encounter which saw Norway's Anne Tonnessen and captain Goril Kringen both receive yellow cards.

Kringen will now miss her team's crucial final group match against Denmark on Sunday.

Despite Norway's dominance, Italy did have two good chances to grab all three points.

But Panico failed to convert on both occasions.

Italy will now fancy themselves to win the group if they beat France - who are already eliminated - in Sunday's other group game.

While Norway may well rue the missed chances which could have handed them victory over Italy and with it a place in the semis.