)
Roberto Mancini’s Italy bounced back from the opening-day defeat against England to beat Malta 2-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Italy bounced back from losing to England with a 2-0 victory over a spirited Malta side to earn the first win of their Euro 2024 qualification campaign.
How it happened
Mancini made eight changes to the side that fell short against the Three Lions and had to endure an uncomfortable first 10 minutes as the hosts threatened to take a surprise lead in the fifth minute when Alexander Satariano was denied by the acrobatics of Gianluigi Donnarumma.
On the quarter-hour mark, Italy earned a corner and from the resulting cross from Sandro Tonali, Mateo Retegui rose highest to head home and give the Azzurri the lead.
Tonali was the provider again 11 minutes later when Pessina flicked his cross into the far corner to double the advantage.
The visitors threatened to add more goals before the break but were held in the second half much to the annoyance of Mancini.
Italy had a chance to make it 3-0 late in the second half when substitute Gianluca Scamacca's overhead kick from a corner was pushed away by Henry Bonello.
Regardless, the Azzurri were able to safely negotiate the closing stages to record a victory that lifts them to second, while Malta are rooted to the foot of Group C.
Related content
)
19:08 - 26.03.2023
EURO 2024 North London stars shine as England cruise past Ukraine
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were on hand to help the Three Lions continue their perfect start to their EURO 2024 qualifying campaign
)
20:07 - 26.03.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Manchester City suffer another injury blow ahead of Liverpool clash
Phil Foden is set to miss Manchester City's clash against Liverpool after undergoing surgery to treat acute appendicitis.
)
11:18 - 26.03.2023
EURO 2024 Southgate says England do not miss in-form Manchester United star Rashford
England manager Gareth Southgate gives reasons why the Manchester United forward will not be missed despite his great form this season
)
21:09 - 26.03.2023
Mario Balotelli hits out at Roberto Mancini over claims that Italy are short of talented strikers
Mario Balotelli is not buying Roberto Mancini's claim that Italy lack attacking talents following their defeat against England in the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)