Own goal gives experimental Italy victory over Albania

Stefano Okaka appears to have been denied his first international goal, after his deflected header gave Italy a 1-0 win over Albania in Genoa.

The Sampdoria striker came on for his Azzurri debut on his home ground with 25 minutes left and provided the game's defining moment as he beat Hamdi Salihi at the near post to flick on a corner in the 82nd minute, the ball flying into the net having diverted off the Albanian.

The game had been scheduled in Genoa to help the victims of the recent floods, but Albania weren’t about to stand on ceremony as they began the game brightly.

However, the hosts – boasting an experimental line-up – grew into the game and with Alessio Cerci to the fore created the more dangerous chances of the opening 45 minutes. The Atletico Madrid forward was a constant menace and forced Etrit Berisha into several fine stops.

That said, Sokol Cikalleshi was creating problems himself and highlighted Albania’s danger on the break with a couple of strong efforts 10 minutes before the break.

The match continued in much the same manner in the second half with both teams trading opportunities before Okaka struck. Proceedings were held up on several occasions though as three travelling Albania fans made it onto the pitch.

12' - CHANCE FOR ITALY - Cerci is found in space in the area but the forward cannot beat Berisha in the Albania goal from seven yards.

33' - FLASH OF BRILLIANCE - Mattia Destro picks up on a loose ball 20 yards out and flashes a curling shot just past the far post.

36' - ALBANIA HIT THE BAR - Cikalleshi pounces on some woeful Italian defending to fire a shot goalwards that strikes the bar.

45+1' - CHANCE FOR ITALY - Cerci again finds room on the right, cuts in and curls towards the far corner but Berisha tips behind.

51' - CHANCE FOR ITALY - Giovinco has an effort smothered following good work from Cerci and Destro.

61' - BIG CHANCE FOR DESTRO - But the striker slices wide first time having been sent clear on goal by Cerci.

69' - CHANCE FOR ITALY - Okaka's first involvement as he turns brilliantly in the box before firing straight at Berisha.

82' - GOAL FOR ITALY - The Italian pressure proves too much as Okaka meets a corner from the left, although Salihi got the final touch.

Italy have now played 27 times in Genoa, winning 16 of those. They may want to come back.

Antonio Conte remains undefeated from his six games in charge, winning five.

What can Conte take from this win? The Italy coach named an experimental for this friendly, and there was grounds for optimism, particularly the performance of Cerci in the first half, and bar his erratic finishing, Destro and Okaka once he replaced him. However, there were plenty of cracks too. Italy were ponderous and nervous at the back and found it hard to cope with the pace of Albania on the break. Plenty of food for thought for the former Juve boss.

Alessio Cerci (Italy): The Atletico Madrid forward had an eventful evening, seeing his shirt ripped open in the first five minutes. However, following a quick change he quickly set about making a nuisance of himself and was Italy's shining light in the first half.

Italy: Sirigu 7, Moretti 5, Bonucci 6, De Silvestri 5, Antonelli 5, Aquilani 6, Cerci 8, Parolo 7, Bertolacci 7, Giovinco 5, Destro 6 Subs: Matri 6, Okaka 7, Bonaventura 6, Perin 6, Gabbiadini 6, Acerbi 5

Albania: Berisha 7, Mavraj 6, Lila 6, Hysaj 7, Cana 7, Agolli 6, Kukeli 6, Abrashi 6, Lenjani 6, Cikalleshi 7, Memushaj 5 Subs: Roshi 6, Shala 6, Ajeti 5, Salihi 5, Balaj 6, Rama 5