Lorenzo Pellegrini and Nicolo Barella were on target as holders Italy continued their Euro 2024 build-up with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador in New Jersey.
The goals came at the beginning and end of the friendly at the Red Bull Arena with Pellegrini opening the scoring with a ferocious strike after just three minutes.
Ecuador enjoyed a spell of pressure in the second half but failed to take advantage and Barella sealed the win with a fine lobbed finish in time added on.
Italy coach Luciano Spalletti changed his entire XI from Thursday’s game against Venezuela with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and defender Raoul Bellanova making their debuts.
The Azzurri were quick out of the blocks and won an early free-kick outside the Ecuador area after Alan Franco fouled Giacomo Raspadori.
Federico Dimarco’s initial strike from the set-piece was blocked by the wall but the danger was not averted for Ecuador as the ball bounced invitingly towards Pellegrini.
The Roma forward displayed great awareness and technique as he launched himself and connected with a ferocious left-foot volley that flew past Javier Burrai into the top corner.
Italy pushed for more and Dimarco put a header wide but Ecuador responded by creating chances for Felix Torres and Moises Caicedo, who both missed the target.
Nicolo Zaniolo brought a good save out of Burrai despite scuffing a shot and Raspadori then had an attempt blocked for Italy but Pervis Estupinan and Gonzalo Plata both threatened for Ecuador before the break.
Raspadori drew another save from Burrai with a header early in the second half and Zaniolo also headed wide of goal when he should have done better from close range.
Ecuador then took control and Jeremy Sarmiento had an effort blocked on the hour before Vicario produced a fine save to deny Plata an equaliser.
Estupinan curled a shot narrowly wide as the South Americans kept up the pressure.
Italy tired in the closing stages and were forced to defend deeply.
Ecuador won a succession of corners but were unable to make them count as Kendry Paez had a shot blocked and Willian Pacho headed over the bar.
Italy wrapped up the win after a counter-attack in stoppage time.
Barella applied the finishing touches with a neat dink over the keeper after being played in by Riccardo Orsolini’s clever through ball.
Al Ahli 1-2 Al Hilal: Malcom saves league leaders' winning streak
Malcom’s stunning solo goal finished Al Hilal’s second-half comeback to earn a 2-1 win over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Monday.
The forward started his run from inside his own half before slotting in the winner, after teeing up Aleksandr Mitrovic for the equaliser just after the interval.
Feras Al Brikan had given Al Ahli the lead in the 30th minute, but the hosts could not hold onto it against the league leaders.
Al Hilal continue their unbeaten league campaign to a 30th match, moving 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Al Ahli remain in third, now 22 points off the AFC Champions League spot.
Data Debrief
Malcom was one of Al Hilal's most influential players; as well as playing a hand in both goals, he had the joint-most shots (five), and the joint-most shots on target (two), and created two chances for his team.
Al Ahli also struggled to cope with Mitrovic's threat, as the Serbian created an xG of 0.61 from his five shots, having 11 touches in the opposition box.
Ronaldo delivers another hat-trick as Al Nassr ease past Al Wedha
Cristiano Ronaldo crafted a decisive hat-trick as Al Nassr hammered Al Wedha 6-0 in Saturday's Saudi Pro League meeting.
Portugal veteran Ronaldo found the net twice in the first 12 minutes at Al Awal Park before completing his treble after the interval.
Sadio Mane teed up Ronaldo's third finish, as well as an 18th-minute strike from Otavio, who returned the favour for the Senegal international to score on the stroke of half-time.
Mohammed Al Fatil added a late sixth as Al Nassr recorded their seventh straight league win since their March 7 loss against Al Raed, moving them back within nine points of leaders Al Hilal.
Jorge Jesus's Al Hilal swept Al Tauwoon aside in a 3-0 away triumph on Friday for their fourth straight victory across all competitions.
Talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium before Saud Abdulhamid and Saleh Alsherhi wrapped up a win that kept Al Hilal in charge of the title race.
There was no such fortune for fifth-placed Al Ittihad as they fell to a third straight defeat in all competitions after a 3-1 loss away against Abha.
Jota levelled after Grzegorz Krychowiak's 57th-minute penalty, only for Hassan Al-Ali and Fabian Noguera to power hosts Abha to a comfortable win.
Pioli focused on Genoa clash as speculation intensifies over Milan exit
Milan's disappointing campaign has put Stefano Pioli under scrutiny but his full concentration remains on a positive end to the season.
The Rossoneri are second in Serie A but 19 points adrift of champions Inter, and their fans suffered witnessing their fierce rivals secure the Scudetto in the recent derby win at San Siro.
That has only increased media reports about Pioli's dismissal once the season ends, with fans also protesting at the situation Milan face.
"My task shouldn't be complicated, there are four games left," Pioli told a press conference before Sunday's home game against Genoa.
"It's true that outside they talk about everything except the games, but not us. We have a great sense of responsibility. Then we'll see what the future is at the end of the season."
Some Italian reports have suggested Pioli could move to Napoli, though the Milan head coach refuted those claims.
"No thoughts, other than the next four games. At the end of the season, I'll meet with Milan and we'll see what to do," Pioli said.
"You've waited a long time, wait a little longer to talk about the future, the work is not done. The reality is I have another year on my contract with Milan and I won't speak to any other club while I'm under contract."
The atmosphere is tense around the club, and Milan ultras have announced they will not support the team against Genoa, remaining in silence without any banners or flags, as a form of protest against the owners.
"Our fans have always been an added value, especially in difficult moments. And I don't forget it," Pioli continued.
"They have taken this position and we respect it, then we have to do everything to win the game."
Milan have a five-point lead over Juventus in third and Genoa are 12th on 42 points, moving out of relegation danger.
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