Graziano Pelle gives Italy victory over Scotland

A clinical finish from Graziano Pelle gave Antonio Conte's Italy a 1-0 win over Scotland in their international friendly at the Ta'Qali National Stadium.

The Southampton striker's goal - his fifth in an Italy shirt - proved to be the decisive one as Conte's men edged out Gordon Strachan's visitors.

Already unfancied for the European Championships, Italy did little to further their reputation in labouring to a narrow win. Scotland, meanwhile, were tenacious but offered almost nothing going forward.

Italy dominated the first half, Scotland allowing them possession and refusing to commit men forward on the odd occasion that they broke. But aside from forcing an outstanding double save that foiled Antonio Candreva and Emanuele Giaccherini, Italy did little to trouble David Marshall.

Scotland were a little looser in the second half though no more threatening, and eventually, in the 57th minute, Italy found a goal. Daniele Di Rossi's excellent pass was intercepted by Eder and taken on by Graziano Pelle, who rapped a superb finish past Marshall.

And that was more or less that. A slew of substitutions made rhythm difficult for both sides, though the lack of intensity shown by Italian players was surprising, given the competition for places in Antonio Conte's squad, to be named on Tuesday. Both sides must do much better.

Italy have just one further friendly match, against Finland on June 6, before they begin their Euro 2016 campaign against Belgium in Group E on June 13.

Do Italy have a serious chance of winning Euro 2016? Already unfancied for the European Championships, Italy did little to further their reputation - but everyone knows they can always come good at a major tournament.

Daniele De Rossi (Italy) - De Rossi was easily the classiest player on the pitch and dominated the midfield at key points, including playing a role in what proved to be the winning goal.

Italy: Buffon 6, Barzagli 7, Bonucci 7, Chiellini 7, Florenzi 5, Giaccherini 5, De Rossi 8, Darmian 6, Candreva 8, Pellè 7, Eder 4. Subs: Parolo 6, Jorginho 6, Bonaventura 6, Bernardeschi 6, Insigne 6.

Scotland: Marshall 6, Paterson 4, Mulgrew 4, Martin 5, Hanley 6, Phillips 5, D.Fletcher 5, McArthur 5, McCormack 4, Ritchie 5, Anya 5. Subs: Naismith 5, Berra 5, Bryson 6, S.Fletcher 5, Burke 5