BRATISLAVA, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Audience in the Ondrej Nepela Arena all cheered up for Italy's very first goal, which, however made little difference to their 7-1 loss to Norway at the ice hockey world championship here on Saturday.

The highlight of the Group B game, the first goal by the Italians in six games, came in the third period when they were down by two. Armin Helfer's shot bounced off Angelo Miceli and sparked hope for the Italians, but they were unable to follow up on the goal and tie the game up.

Instead, the Norwegians sent a barrage of shots, five of which ended in Italian goaltender Marco De Filippo's net.

Norway had seven different scorers on their seven goals and their goaltender Henrik Haukeland ended the night with 19 saves.

It's been Norway's second win in two days, crushing every fear of relegation for them.

Norway will conclude the tournament against the Swiss on Tuesday. Italy battles Austria on Monday and the loser will get relegated from the elite category.