AFP, Mdina :
Southampton striker Graziano Pelle scored a first-half winner on his debut as Italy scraped a 1-0 victory away to 10-man Malta in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Monday.
Italy dominated from the outset at the Ta’Qal stadium but ultimately failed to turn chances into goals as Malta, who saw Michael Mifsud sent off before the half hour, kept bodies in defence for long periods and sought to break on the counter-attack.
Pelle’s performances in the English Premier League this season had caught the eye of Italy coach Antonio Conte, who lined the big striker up alongside Ciro Immobile in the hope his powerful physique would provide extra options up front.
Pelle was a constant threat in the Maltese box and saw a first-half header smack off the crossbar from one of several inviting crosses by Fiorentina midfielder Manuel Pasquale.
But despite his winner and the precious three points that mean only Italy and leaders Croatia are unbeaten in Group G, Pelle indicated there was little cause for celebration in the Azzurri camp.
“I’m happy I scored and we got the three points but we have to do better,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
