Italy won their first-ever away game in Bulgaria after a previous record of four draws and two defeats in games all played in Sofia.

Italy have won nine of their last ten away games in all competitions (D1), scoring 22 goals and conceding just two in the process.

This is the first time that Italy have won both of their opening two games in a World Cup qualifying since September 2008 with Marcello Lippi in charge.

Andrea Belotti has scored nine away goals with Italy; only Silvio Piola, Gigi Riva (both 12) and Giuseppe Meazza (12) have scored more in Azzurri history.

Belotti has also scored seven goals in the Mancini era, at least two more than any other player under the current Italy head coach.

Four of the last seven Italy goals have been scored by Sassuolo players: three from Berardi and one by Locatelli – his first in international football.

Lorenzo Insigne has provided the assist for four of Italy’s last seven goals in all competitions.

Italy’s last four penalties have been scored by four different players: Grifo, Orsolini, Jorginho and Belotti.