In a friendly match marked by numerous senior debuts for Italy, it was Francesco Pio Esposito who secured a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg. The Azzurri fielded a largely inexperienced squad under interim manager Silvio Baldini, who was promoted from the Under-21 team.
The Italian team saw fifteen players make their senior international bow. Costantino Favasuli stepped in at right-back as one of eight debutants in the starting lineup due to a slight adductor issue for Marco Palestra.
Early chances fell to Luca Lipani and Cher Ndour, who both sent their efforts over the crossbar. Francesco Pio Esposito came close with a cheeky back-heel flick and an acrobatic bicycle kick, while Niccolò Pisilli’s shot from a tricky angle hit the side-netting. Luca Koleosho had a golden opportunity when sent clear, but his weak finish was saved by the goalkeeper.
Both teams had late first-half chances. Esposito’s strike was blocked, and Daniel Sinani fired just over from a tight angle. Cher Ndour’s attempt was deflected over the bar.
Italy finally broke the deadlock from a corner in the 49th minute. Niccolò Pisilli delivered the ball, and Pio Esposito glanced a header at the near post to score the only goal of the match.
Koleosho was again wasteful shortly after, missing an angled drive. Pisilli was then unlucky to see his first-time shot hit the upright in the 59th minute after a neat pass from Favasuli.
Moreira’s counter-attack did not trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma, and a Davide Bartesaghi volley was blocked. Seydou Fini also scuffed a half-volley over the bar from close range after a long throw-in.
Francesco Camarda nearly marked his senior debut with a goal within 60 seconds, but his glancing header went wide from a Bartesaghi cross.
Pisilli continued to threaten, with his shot being blocked by a desperate defensive effort. Donnarumma was alert to clear a long ball outside his box.
Luxembourg 0-1 Italy
Pio Esposito 49′ (I)
Luxembourg: Moris; Jans, Korac, Carlson, Michael Pinto (Mahmutovic 67′); V Thill (S Thill 77′), Martins, Olesen (Goncalves 87′), Moreira (Duarte 87′), Bohnert (Kadamani 67′); Sinani (Curci 87′)
Italy: Donnarumma; Favasuli (Fortini 67′), Chiarodia, Comuzzo (Mane 76′), Bartesaghi (Ahanor 89′); Ndour, Lipani (Dagasso 76′), Pisilli; Cherubini (Fini 67′), Pio Esposito (Camarda 76′), Koleosho (Inacio 89′)
Referee: Kooj (NED)
