Resilient Italy Bowed To Spain

Pedro’s second-half strike handed Spain a narrow victory over Italy in Wednesday’s international friendly at the Vicente Calderon.

The Barcelona forward struck the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute in a match that the world champions dominated for long stretches.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque handed Diego Costa his national team debut.

The Atletico Madrid striker – who coincidentally made his Brazil debut in a friendly against Italy – was included in the starting XI and turned in a solid performance in his club’s stadium, the Vicente Calderon.

A minute’s silence was observed prior to the game in memory of former Atletico and Spain coach Luis Aragones, who passed away last month.

Italy, without injured striker Mario Balotelli, were at the mercy of Spain’s long spells of possession.

However, the Italians almost broke the deadlock in the third minute when Alessio Cerci’s cross flew 10 yards before hitting the far post.

Spain were fortunate because the ball bounced across the face of the goal and into the path of keeper Iker Casillas, who fell on it to extinguish the threat.

At the other end, Pedro’s effort from 30 yards was kept out by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Spain kept Italy in their own half and in midway through the first half, Andres Iniesta warmed the hands of Buffon with a hard drive from just outside the box.

Italy veteran Andrea Pirlo came on in the second half and showed his class minutes later when he spotted Osvaldo in the box but Jordi Alba made a vital clearance.

Spain finally broke through in the 63rd minute after a great play from Iniesta and David Silva put pressure on the Italy defence, leaving Pedro to strike a left-footed shot from the heart of the area past Buffon.