NEW YORK – An early goal from Lorenzo Pellegrini and a late strike from Nicolo Barella gave a revamped Italy side a 2-0 win over Ecuador in a friendly at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on March 24.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti made 11 changes to the line-up from the 2-1 victory over Venezuela on March 21 – the first of the two matches on the US tour – giving more players a chance to prove themselves before the Euro 2024 Finals in Germany.
Spalletti said the US tour had been positive as they prepare to defend their European title in June.
“There were many events, appointments and continual journeys, so managing to put it all together the way we did between the (Italian Football) Federation and the team on the field, that makes it a very good tour,” he told RAI Sport.
“We had some good performances, there were some things we need to sort out and didn’t have much time to work on, but these games help us to analyse and then find something positive.”
There was also a minute’s silence in honour of Fiorentina director Joe Barone, who passed away on March 19.
Pellegrini put Italy ahead after three minutes by smashing home after the ball rebounded off the wall from a free kick. Minutes later, Nicolo Zaniolo came close to doubling Italy’s lead but his attempt was foiled by onrushing goalkeeper Javier Burrai.
Ecuador became a more attacking threat after an hour, with Italy custodian Guglielmo Vicario making a diving save after a dangerous attempt from outside the box by Gonzalo Plata.
However, deep into stoppage time, Italy counter-attacked and Barella cleverly lobbed Burrai to seal the win.
The last-second goal capped a memorable outing for the Inter Milan midfielder as he celebrated his first game as Italy’s captain and was very upbeat.
“Perhaps we suffered a bit too much in the second half, considering our quality, but that helped us and me to keep back that energy for the final sprint and joy of scoring a goal,” he told RAI Sport.
“We are getting to grips with what the coach asks of us, we are improving, there is more work to do. But we are creating a good group with players who want to give their all.”
The Azzurri have two more friendlies in June, against Turkey and Bosnia, before heading to the tournament in Germany.
Italy have been drawn with Spain, Albania and Croatia in Group B at the month-long Euro, which start on June 14. REUTERS
