Italy Secures Victory Over Venezuela in Friendly Match

Italy beats Venezuela 2-1 in the first of two friendly matches scheduled for Spalletti’s national team in the United States. Ready-go and Venezuela, after two minutes, immediately benefited from a penalty for a foul by Buongiorno in the area on Rondon after a faulty clearance by the defense. Donnarumma saves Rondon’s penalty by diving to his left, then Savarino misses the tap by kicking high. Italy’s first outburst in the 14th minute with Chiesa, who shoots with his right foot from outside the area but misses just wide. Five minutes later, a great opportunity for Venezuela, with Rondon himself sending a low cross from the left by Machis wide of nothing.

Italy took the lead in the 40th minute with Retegui, who with a right-footed cross from inside the area finalized an Italian recovery of the ball after an error by Venezuela in the clearance. The South American national team equalized three minutes later, taking advantage of a gift from Italy following a low restart: Bonaventura involuntarily served Machis, who scored without difficulty.

In the second half, in the 60th minute Donnarumma did well to stretch out to clear a tricky low cross from the right which could have had serious consequences for Italy. Venezuela still one step away from taking the lead in the 63rd minute with Machis, who takes off on the counterattack and shoots but finds the Italian goalkeeper still ready. In the 76th minute, new substitute Zaniolo showed up and forced goalkeeper Rafael Romo to rebound from outside the area. It is the prelude to the goal that gives the Azzurri the lead, which arrives in the 80th minute. It is once again Retegui who makes the best use of an assist from Jorginho. The result no longer changes, Italy’s next match is Sunday in New York against Ecuador.