Italy, the reigning European champion, beat Venezuela 2-1 (half-time: 1-1) thanks to a brace from Mateo Retegui in a preparation match for Euro-2024 (June 14-July 14 ), Thursday in Fort Lauderdale (Florida). The Nazionale, in an unprecedented configuration including a three-way defense, conceded a penalty in the 2nd minute, but Salomon Rondon’s attempt was diverted by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Manhandled until then, Luciano Spalletti’s team opened the scoring through Mateo Retegui, taking advantage of a poor recovery from the Venezuelan goalkeeper (40th). But his advantage only lasted three minutes: Darwin Machis equalized after a hazardous kick from Donnarumma.
The Paris SG goalkeeper was decisive with two saves on the hour mark, before Retegui, served by Jorginho, gave his team victory in the 80th minute. Italy will play a second friendly match in the United States, against Ecuador on Sunday near New York.
The reigning European champions who did not obtain their ticket for the last World Cup in Qatar and who struggled to qualify for Euro-2024, will face Albania in the group stage of the German tournament. , Spain and Croatia.