Malta 0-2 Italy: Mateo Retegui scores again as Roberto Mancini’s side bounce back from England defeat
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Updated 26/03/2023 at 23:34 GMT
Roberto Mancini’s Italy bounced back from opening-day defeat against England to beat Malta 2-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying. Mateo Retegui scored again after netting on debut against the Three Lions before Matteo Pessina added a second before half-time to put the Azzurri in full control. The win moves Italy up into second in Group C but they have played a game more than North Macedonia.
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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.
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.
But 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 when play resumed 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 points back to Naples.
Up next for Malta is another home tie as they welcome England, while Italy take on Spain in the semi-finals of the Nations League in June.
TALKING POINT - RETEGUI BACK ON SCORESHEET
What a start Mateo Retegui has made to international life. The 23-year-old scored against England on his debut and added another to his tally this evening. Amid Roberto Mancini's deepening injury crisis, he appears to have uncovered a gem.
It's just a shame he has to wait until June and a Nations League semi-final clash against Spain to suit up in the famous blue colours again.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - SANDRO TONALI
The AC Milan playmaker was on fine form, especially in the first half. His cross from a corner was on a plate for Retegui's opener and he turned provider again 11 minutes later with another enticing delivery for Matteo Pessina.
He was a constant thorn in Malta's side and could have had more assists had his team-mates been a little more clinical.
PLAYER RATINGS
Malta: Bonello (7), Apap (6), Borg (5), Attard (5), J Mbong (6), Yankam (6), Guillaumier (5), N Muscat (6), Corbalan (6), Satariano (6), Jones (5). Subs: Teuma (4), Nwoko (4), Z Muscat (4), Brown (N/A), Dimech (N/A)
Italy: Donnarumma (8), Di Lorenzo (5), Scalvini (6), Romagnoli (6), Emerson (7), Pessina (8), Cristante (6), Tonali (9), Politano (7), Retegui (8), Gnonto (4). Subs: Scamacca (4), Toloi (N/A), Verratti (4), Grifo (6), Darmian (4)
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
5' - GREAT SAVE: A magnificent bit of play from Joseph Mbong sets Alexander Satariano through on Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal. The striker draws a fine save from the Italian shot-stopper and earns a corner. The ball is swung in and Donnarumma is called into action again but is equal to the task. What a start from the hosts.
15' - GOAL! RETEGUI GIVES ITALY THE LEAD: Some sustained pressure from the visitors earns them a corner after Romagnoli's long-range effort is tipped over the bar. Tonali whips in a wonderful ball and Retegui powers the header home off the bar for his second goal in just two appearances. Italy lead 1-0.
26' - GOAL! PESSINA MAKES IT TWO: Italy are turning on the style. Grifo fluffs his lines in the box but Tonali is on hand to recover possession and whip in another exquisite cross which is well met by Pessina, who flicks it into the far corner to double Italy's lead. VAR checks for offside but the goal stands!
30' - WHAT A SAVE - BUT IS IT A PENALTY? Grifo spurns a brilliant chance as Bonello gets down well. However, on the rebound it looks like the Italy man is fouled. VAR checks and deems it's not a penalty.
57' GOALMOUTH SCRAMBLE: The hosts have the bit between their teeth. Jones wins a corner and the resultant delivery sparks a melee in the box as the ball bounces around until falling into Donnarumma's grateful arms. That was a lucky escapre for Italy, who have yet to get going in the second period.
69' OVERHEAD KICK: What a goal this would have been. Scamacca, barely on the pitch two minutes, gets on the end of an Italian corner and unleashes an overhead kick that is well saved by Bonello.
KEY STAT
- Italy made it nine wins from nine against Malta, although this is only the second time the Azzurri have won by more than a single goal
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