Andrea Belotti was on target and Manuel Locatelli netted his first international goal as Italy continued their perfect start to World Cup qualifying with a 2-0 win over Bulgaria.
Roberto Mancini's men dispatched Northern Ireland 2-0 in their Group C opener on Thursday and joined Switzerland on six points with a routine victory from a rather stale contest in Sofia.
Belotti, who scored on his last Italy appearance in November, put them ahead – his penalty breaking the deadlock in the 43rd minute.
Italy's number nine missed two chances to put the result beyond all doubt but, with Bulgaria hardly offering a threat going the other way, Locatelli's superb finish wrapped up the points late on.
Federico Chiesa snatched at the only opening of a cagey opening half-an-hour, the Juventus winger flashing wide after latching onto Marco Verratti's pass.
Despite failing to register a shot on target, Italy got a chance to go ahead when Belotti was bundled over in the 42nd minute.
Taking the penalty he won, the Torino striker made no mistake, planting a firm finish into the bottom-left corner.
Bulgaria were furious not to be awarded a penalty of their own 11 minutes after the restart, with their appeals for a handball from Stefano Sensi dismissed.
Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make a superb save in the same move, though Birsent Karagaren was subsequently flagged offside.
Belotti twice went close as Italy pressed to settle the contest, hitting the post with a deft lob before lashing over on the rebound.
Yet there was little chance Italy would be left to rue Belotti's profligacy, and any lingering Bulgaria hopes were dashed when Locatelli curled in his maiden Azzurri goal.
Sinner safely through to French Open second round after seeing off Eubanks in straight sets
Jannik Sinner made a strong start to his French Open title quest with a dominant straight-sets victory over Christoper Eubanks.
The second seed took just over two hours to wrap up a commanding 6-3 6-3 6-4 win against his American opponent on Court Suzanne-Lenglen.
Reigning Australian Open champion Sinner is one of the favourites to go all the way at Roland Garros this year, having also triumphed in Rotterdam and Miami in 2024.
Although, the Italian had not played since withdrawing from the Madrid Open earlier this month with a hip injury.
Nevertheless, he broke Eubanks, who reached last year's Wimbledon quarter-finals, three times on his way to taking the opening set.
Sinner, who will become the first Italian to top the ATP rankings should he reach the final this fortnight, broke early again in the next two sets to set up a second-round meeting with veteran Richard Gasquet.
Data Debrief: Sinner matches 'the big three'
Sinner, 22, became only the fourth player in the last 30 years to win his first eight men's single major matches of the season before turning 23, after Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
The Italian has now won 11 of his 12 matches at Roland Garros against players ranked outside the top 10, with his only such defeat coming against world number 79 Daniel Altmeier in last year's second round.
Williamson signs new Arsenal deal
Leah Williamson has put pen to paper on a new deal at Arsenal, extending her 19-year stay with the Gunners.
The England defender, who was eight years old when she had her first trial at the club, has agreed fresh terms with the Women's Super League side.
Williamson returned to action in February following a lengthy lay-off with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which forced her to miss the Lionesses' run to the 2023 Women's World Cup final.
The 27-year-old, who skippered England to Euro 2022 glory, has made 232 appearances for Arsenal, winning the Women's Super League as well as the FA Cup and League Cup on two occasions.
"Everyone knows what Arsenal means to me, but I think every time I sign a new contract, I feel that love ignite all over again," she told the club's official website.
"I'm very happy to be staying. This is a place where I can still continue to grow, develop and be challenged. As a group, we're all very focused on bringing more silverware to this club and I can't wait to get started again when the new season comes around."
"Leah is an essential part of our team, so we're delighted she has signed a new contract with us," Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall added. "She brings us so much on and off the pitch - leadership, accountability and commitment.
"Leah has a special bond with Arsenal, and I'm looking forward to continuing to work together to bring more success to this great club."
Clare Wheatley, the club's director of women's football, said: "Leah's connection with Arsenal runs so deep. I can remember her as a girl in our academy many years ago, and I'm so proud of the determined, passionate woman she has become.
"We're thrilled that Leah has signed a new deal here, and I know our supporters will join me in congratulating her today."
Hazard 'bit sad' with Chelsea decision to sack Pochettino
Eden Hazard "was a bit sad" to see Chelsea part company with head coach Mauricio Pochettino after just one season in charge.
Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent last week after a trophyless campaign and a sixth-place finish in the Premier League.
Chelsea great Hazard, who spent seven years at Stamford Bridge, believes the former Tottenham boss deserved more time.
"I was a bit sad," he told talkSPORT. "I think he did a great job. I know people want Chelsea to be in the top four but it’s a season of transition.
"He's a great manager. I wish him good luck and let's see who is going to be there in the future."
Chelsea are reported to have whittled their shortlist to four names - Thomas Frank, Kieran McKenna, Roberto De Zerbi and Enzo Maresca
However, Hazard cheekily suggested that former Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas could be an option for the Blues.
Fabregas is working as an assistant manager with Italian side Como and helped guide them to Serie A promotion this season.
Asked about possible contenders for the job, Hazard said: "I have my friend in Como. He can be the first manager."
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