Malta 0-2 Italy: Mateo Retegui scores in consecutive matches

Malta 0-2 Italy: Mateo Retegui scores in consecutive matches for Roberto Mancini’s side with Matteo Pessina adding a second as Azzurri recover from England loss to beat European minnows

• Retegui netted his second goal in as many games since making his Italy debut
• Mancini’s side sit second in Group C after defeat to England on Thursday 

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 on Sunday.

Defending champions Italy were looking to get back on track after starting the campaign with a 2-1 loss against England on Thursday.

They traveled to Malta, who are undoubtedly the underdogs in Group C as they face a tough task of qualifying for Euro 2024.

Having already suffered defeat to North Macedonia, Malta knew that their place at Euro 2024 is already massively in doubt. 

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.

Mateo Retegui scored the opening goal as Italy beat Malta 2-0 on Sunday evening

Matteo Pessina added a second to give Roberto Mancini’s side a two-goal lead

Roberto Mancini’s side made it two before the half-time break as Pessina doubled their 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.

Malta put up a strong fight with a spirited second-half display as they frustrated Italy for long periods of the match.

The victory for the Italians sees them move up to second in Group C, ahead of North Macedonia on goals scored.

England comfortably beat Ukraine 2-0 to put Gareth Southgate’s team in control of Group C earlier on Sunday.

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