Malta 0-2 Italy: Mateo Retegui scores again as Roberto Mancini’s side bounce back from England defeat

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. Goals from Mateo Retegui and Matteo Pessina in the first half put the reigning European champions in control as Roberto Mancini’s injury-ravaged side got off the mark in Group C and made it nine wins from nine against Malta.

Ad Mancini made eight changes to his starting line-up after a disappointing display against the Three Lions and had to endure an uncomfortable first 10 minutes as the hosts threatened to take a surprise lead when Alexander Satariano was denied by the acrobatics of Gianluigi Donnarumma. Euro QualifyingRecord-breaker Kane helps 10-man England claim opening qualifying win in Italy23/03/2023 AT 18:49 That was about as close as the hosts came in the first half as the quality of the Italians eventually told.

Retegui rose highest to power in a header from Sandro Tonali’s delivery in the 15th minute and continue his stunning start to international life with his second goal in as many appearances. Tonali was the provider once again 11 minutes later as Pessina deliciously flicked his cross beyond the helpless Henry Bonello and into the far corner.

Italy continued to push forward and would have been disappointed only to be two ahead at the break, before failing to reassert their dominance in the second half. The Azzurri were restricted mostly to shots from distance in the second period and were nearly undone themselves in the 80th minute when Joseph Mbong had a clear shot on goal.

The Malta man lingered a fraction too long, however, allowing Emerson to recover and make the block. It was far from a classic in the end, but Italy held on to take a deserved three