Italy marginally defeated Malta at home in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Thursday night, as a solitary goal by Graziano Pelle gave them a 1-0 victory.
The Southampton striker used his hip to force the ball over the line deep in the second half, as the Italians offered little in the way of quality.
The first half was a drab affair as Italy failed to make an impression on their opposition's defence. The Azzurri began in a 4-3-3 formation with Pelle leading the attack; legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo also started—despite his move away from European football to play in MLS for New York City.