The Italian's team took a 44th-minute lead at the Ullevaal Stadium courtesy of Robbie Keane's 34th international goal, but then saw the heavens open to turn the contest into a lottery.

Norway coped with the conditions much the better and levelled 15 minutes after the break after substitute goalkeeper Dean Kiely's error prompted Kevin Kilbane to head the ball straight to a delighted Tore Reginiussen in front of and empty net.

However, Trapattoni was happy enough to have extended his run without defeat to three games since taking over at the helm ahead of next month's opening World Cup qualifiers.

He said: "In every sport, not only football, results are important. We said yesterday, we have to believe in our quality.

"Norway believe in their quality and for us, it was important for us to do the same. Before I came to Ireland, we were losing games; up to now, we have not lost. That's important."

Scotland were held 0-0 at home by Northern Ireland, while Wales won 2-1 against Georgia.