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Francesco Pio Esposito scored the only goal as a new-look Italy edged an unconvincing 1-0 win against Luxembourg in their first match since their World Cup play-off failure.
Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito headed home early in the second half at Luxembourg's national stadium, but a young and inexperienced Italy side failed to impress.
The Azzurri were appearing for the first time since the departure of former boss Gennaro Gattuso in April, soon after their penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Interim manager Silvio Baldini, promoted from the Under-21s, handed debuts to eight players, including Luca Koleosho, Cher Ndour and Davide Bartesaghi.
Of Italy's 11 starters, only Gianluigi Donnarumma, Pio Esposito and Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli had previously won senior caps.
Italy were wasteful with several first-half chances. Sassuolo's Luca Lipani headed over the crossbar and then teed up Fiorentina midfielder Ndour, who was also off target.
Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito and Pisilli were next to miscue in front of goal before the former forced Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris into a fine low save just before the break.
Italy broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart when Pio Esposito headed home Pisilli's cross following a corner for his fourth goal in nine appearances for his country.
Pisilli's effort struck a post 10 minutes later and Donnarumma was forced into his first save of the match with an angled shot from inside the box from Benfica B midfielder Tomas Cruz in the 64th minute.
Luxembourg threatened again soon after when Venezia defender Seid Korac headed a free-kick wide and although Italy continued to dominate possession they could not find a second goal.
Substitute Francesco Camarda headed Bartesaghi's cross wide and it was Luxembourg who looked more likely to score in the closing stages.
Cruz pulled a second effort off target following Danel Sinani's assist, Miguel Goncalves' effort from outside the area was blocked and in stoppage time Christopher Martins headed Sebastien Thill’s narrowly over.
Italy are next in action in another friendly against Greece in Heraklion, Crete, on Sunday.
Continue reading...
Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito headed home early in the second half at Luxembourg's national stadium, but a young and inexperienced Italy side failed to impress.
The Azzurri were appearing for the first time since the departure of former boss Gennaro Gattuso in April, soon after their penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Interim manager Silvio Baldini, promoted from the Under-21s, handed debuts to eight players, including Luca Koleosho, Cher Ndour and Davide Bartesaghi.
Of Italy's 11 starters, only Gianluigi Donnarumma, Pio Esposito and Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli had previously won senior caps.
Italy were wasteful with several first-half chances. Sassuolo's Luca Lipani headed over the crossbar and then teed up Fiorentina midfielder Ndour, who was also off target.
Inter Milan striker Pio Esposito and Pisilli were next to miscue in front of goal before the former forced Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris into a fine low save just before the break.
Italy broke the deadlock four minutes after the restart when Pio Esposito headed home Pisilli's cross following a corner for his fourth goal in nine appearances for his country.
Pisilli's effort struck a post 10 minutes later and Donnarumma was forced into his first save of the match with an angled shot from inside the box from Benfica B midfielder Tomas Cruz in the 64th minute.
Luxembourg threatened again soon after when Venezia defender Seid Korac headed a free-kick wide and although Italy continued to dominate possession they could not find a second goal.
Substitute Francesco Camarda headed Bartesaghi's cross wide and it was Luxembourg who looked more likely to score in the closing stages.
Cruz pulled a second effort off target following Danel Sinani's assist, Miguel Goncalves' effort from outside the area was blocked and in stoppage time Christopher Martins headed Sebastien Thill’s narrowly over.
Italy are next in action in another friendly against Greece in Heraklion, Crete, on Sunday.
Continue reading...
