Inter striker Francesco Pio Esposito netted his second consecutive goal for Italy, leading them to a 1-0 victory over Greece. The friendly match also saw Borussia Dortmund’s Luca Reggiani sent off just 13 minutes into his senior debut.
This win marks the second consecutive success for Italy under interim coach Silvio Baldini, who is slated to return to the U21 squad. The Azzurri secured a 1-0 victory in the international friendly played on Sunday night.
Match Report: Greece 0-1 Italy
Amidst Italy’s triumph in the U17 European Championship, Pio Esposito continued his impressive scoring form, notching his fifth goal in nine appearances for the national team. He converted a well-placed cross from Jeff Ekhator with a sharp first touch, firing home with his right foot after a slight deflection off a Greek defender.
The Inter talent had another chance before halftime after receiving a through ball, but his attempt was saved by Vlachodimos.
The second half began with Luca Koleosho striking the crossbar from close range following a cross from Seydou Fini.
Pietro Comuzzo was substituted due to a suspected calf injury. His replacement, Luca Reggiani, made his senior debut but was shown a red card after only 13 minutes for a foul in central midfield. Reggiani was the last defender and received his marching orders.
Italy defended resolutely for much of the second half. Greece’s Zafeiris hit the post with a powerful shot from inside the box, and Donnarumma made a save to deny Pavlidis shortly after.
The 1-0 win concludes Italy’s 2025-26 campaign. The national team will resume action on September 25 in the Nations League against Belgium, while Serie A will restart on August 23.
Greece 0-1 Italy
Goal: 18′ Pio Esposito
Greece (3-4-1-2): Vlachodimos; Retsos, Hatzidiakos, Koulierakis (46′ Rota); Vagiannidis (76′ Tetteh), Mouzakitis (76′ Zaferis), Triantis (62′ Androutsos), Kiriakopoulos (63′ Tsimikas); Tzolis (88′ Pavlidis); Masouras (63′ Kyziridis), Douvikas (88′ Kostoulas).
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Ahanor (46′ Mane), Comuzzo (55′ Reggiani), Chiarodia, Bartesaghi; Pisilli, Lipani (74′ Dagasso), Ndour; Koleosho (87′ Faticanti), Esposito (87′ Camarda), Ekhator (46′ Fini (74′ Favasuli)).
