News Focus
- Francesco Pio Esposito scores only goal in Athens friendly
- Luca Reggiani sent off after just 13 minutes on senior debut
- Silvio Baldini maintains perfect record as interim Italy coach
- Inter forward nets fifth goal in nine international appearances
Italy secured a narrow victory over Greece in an international friendly played on Sunday evening. The Azzurri claimed a 1-0 win thanks to a clinical finish from Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito.
The fixture took place shortly after celebrations for Italy’s Under-17 European Championship triumph. Esposito continued the positive atmosphere by netting his second goal in consecutive matches for the senior side. The young forward controlled a fine cross from Jeff Ekhator with an excellent first touch before firing home with his right foot. A slight deflection off a Greek defender helped the ball find the net.
Interim manager Silvio Baldini has now won both of his matches in charge. The coach is set to return to his duties with the Under-21 squad following this successful temporary spell.
Italy created further chances during the opening period. Esposito could have doubled the lead before half-time but his weak effort was saved comfortably by goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos. Early in the second half, Luca Koleosho struck the crossbar with a left-foot finish from point-blank range after a cross from Seydou Fini.
The match saw a dramatic moment when Borussia Dortmund defender Luca Reggiani entered the pitch. The player made his senior debut as a replacement for Pietro Comuzzo, who had sustained a suspected calf injury. However, Reggiani’s appearance lasted only 13 minutes. The referee showed him a straight red card for a foul on Anastasios Douvikas in central midfield. Although the challenge occurred far from the penalty area, Reggiani was deemed the last defender.
Greece pressed hard for an equaliser during the final ten minutes. Christos Zafeiris struck the post with a powerful drive from inside the box, while Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a vital save to deny Tasos Pavlidis shortly afterwards.
This victory concludes Italy’s campaign for the 2025-26 season. The national team will return to competitive action on September 25 in the Nations League against Belgium. Domestic football resumes earlier, with Serie A kicking off on August 23.