MALTA - Goals by forward Mateo Retegui and midfielder Matteo Pessina steered Italy to a 2-0 win over Malta in their Euro 2024 qualification Group C clash at Sunday.
Defending champions Italy were looking to get back on track after starting the campaign with a 2-1 loss against England on Thursday.
It took 15 minutes before Italy got their first goal when Retegui broke free from his marker to power in a header from a corner with Pessina doubling the lead after 27 minutes when he tapped Emerson's cross in from a short distance.
Vincenzo Grifo was close to make it three for the visitors shortly after but Malta goalkeeper Henry Bonello skilfully blocked his attempt.
England comfortably beat Ukraine 2-0 to put Gareth Southgate's team in control of Group C earlier on Sunday.
(Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk)