Italy won 2-0 at Malta to earn their first victory in Euro 2024 qualifying, and Mateo Retegui scored once more.
Argentina-born Retegui scored in his international debut against England on Thursday, and three days later he did it again with a straightforward 15th-minute goal.
Twelve minutes later, Matthew Guillaumier scored an own goal, giving Roberto Mancini’s team complete dominance at Ta’ Qali National Stadium. Malta hardly ever threatened an answer.
Italy now trails Group C’s early leaders England by three points after their victory over Ukraine earlier on Sunday.
Right place, right time, right name 🤩#MLTITA #EURO2024 #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/P3TAQI85ix
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) March 26, 2023
Malta almost grabbed an unlikely fifth-minute lead but captain Gianluigi Donnarumma rescued Italy with a fine stop against Alexander Satariano when one-on-one.
That missed chance proved pivotal as an unmarked Retegui headed home from Sandro Tonali’s corner soon after, before Wilfried Gnonto limped off injured.
Guillaumier turned into his own net from Emerson’s inviting cross as Italy furthered their lead, though Henry Bonello denied substitute Vincenzo Grifo to keep the scoreline respectable at half-time.
A frantic scramble inside the Italy area offered Mancini’s visitors a rare second-half scare before Bonello thwarted a fizzing Bryan Cristante attempt.
Gianluca Scamacca’s inventive acrobatic effort forced another smart Bonello save as Italy cruised to their first win on the road to Germany 2024.