Italy gets second win in US, beating Ecuador 2-0

Italy secured a narrow 2-0 victory over Ecuador in their second friendly match of the March American tour. The result at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey saw Lorenzo Pellegrini open the scoring in the 3rd minute with a superb strike from around 20 meters. Nicolò Barella sealed the final result in added time.

Luciano Spalletti’s side claimed their second consecutive win following their 2-1 triumph over Venezuela a few days ago. The match started well for Italy as they were awarded a free-kick opportunity from about 20 meters out in the 3rd minute. Federico Dimarco took the shot, which was blocked by the wall. The ball fell to Lorenzo Pellegrini, who clinically finished with a fantastic shot, leaving Javier Burrai no chance – 1-0. Early in the second half, Giacomo Raspadori attempted a header following a Pellegrini cross, but it didn’t trouble Burrai. Shortly after, Alan Franco sent the ball over the crossbar from around 12-13 meters out.

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In the 69th minute, “La Tri” posed a serious threat to Guglielmo Vicario for the first time. Gonzalo Plata broke through from the right, evaded Mateo Darmian, cut inside, and unleashed a powerful shot, which the goalkeeper parried. The ball fell to Pervis Estupiñán on the edge of the box. The left midfielder aimed for the far corner, but the ball narrowly missed the target.

In the third minute of added time in the second half, Nicolò Barella scored Italy’s second goal. The Inter midfielder received an excellent pass from Giovanni Di Lorenzo and calmly finished past Burrai to secure the final 2-0 victory.