Italy are on the way in the European qualification after beating Lithuania by two goals to nil at the Bakovci Stadium in Slovenia. The Azzurrini responded to the demands of coach Carmine Nunziata after he said yesterday  that “the first game is essential for success in tournaments like this one.” Italy played with grit and determination from the off and dealt well with their status as favourites. On a rain-soaked pitch, Nunziata’s boys controlled the game and scored either side of half time: Miretti and N’Gbesso with the goals.

Italy started well and had a chance to take the lead in the eighth minute through Inter midfielder Giovanni Fabbian, who took the cross down well at the back post but fired too close to the ‘keeper. Cesare Casadei (Inter) couldn’t quite reach a low driven cross in front of goal; Gnonto (Zürich) did get there but didn’t manage to get the telling touch (15’). It took until the 44th minute to take the lead. Juventus man Fabio Miretti it was, who fired home from outside the box, the ball nestling in the corner of the Lithuania goal.

Italy were deservedly in the lead at the break and, as the second half began, Nunziata sent on Spezia forward Henoc N’Gbesso - a move that would prove to be a decisive one. The weather took a turn for the worse and the game slowed down but the Azzurrini were not to be stopped. Midway through the second half, Gnonto rounded the goalie but his effort was underhit, so much so that the defence managed to scramble back and clear off the line. In added time, N`Gbesso settled it for Italy with a brilliant solo effort; the ‘keeper almost got there but the net bulged and it ended 2-0.

In the other game in the group, Iceland recorded an unexpected but deserved victory over hosts Slovenia. Iceland were 2-0 up at half time before Slovenia got a goal back. The away side battled hard and restored their two-goal lead; it ended 3-1. And Italy’s next opponents will be Iceland next Saturday (15:30 CEST) at the Bakovci Stadium.

Schedule and standings

Wednesday 6 October

ITALY 2-0 Lithuania

Iceland 3-1 Slovenia

Standings. Italy and Iceland 3 pts, Slovenia and Lithuania 0

Saturday 9 October

ITALY vs. Iceland, 15:30 CEST - Bakovci Stadium

Slovenia vs. Lithuania, 15:30 CEST - Tšc trate

Tuesday 12 October

Slovenia vs. ITALY, 15:30 CEST - Tšc trate

Lithuania vs. Iceland, 15:30 CEST - Bakovci Stadium