Italy, the defending champions at the European Championships in Germany next summer, defeated Ecuador in a practice match on Sunday evening in New Jersey, USA. The Azzurri won 2-0 after goals from Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Barella.
The Italians had already won 2-1 against Venezuela in Florida on Thursday during their American trip. A new South American opponent followed in the US on Sunday with Ecuador.
The Azzurri started excellently in the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey. Lorenzo Pellegrini, teammate of Romelu Lukaku at AS Roma, opened the score for Italy after just three minutes.
Only deep into the added time were the Italians able to deepen that score further. Inter player Nicolo Barella put the 2-0 final score on the scoreboard.
At Ecuador there were starting places for many players with a Belgian link: Cercle striker Alan Minda, Angelo Preciado (ex-Genk), Moises Caicedo (ex-Beerschot) and Willian Pacho (ex-Antwerp). Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez remained on the bench for the entire match.
At the European Championships next summer, Italy will face a difficult task if it wants to extend its European title. It is in a tough group with Spain, Croatia and Albania. At the beginning of June they will first practice against Turkey and Bosnia.
2024-03-24 22:19:00
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