Russia piled the misery on troubled Italy with a deserved 3-0 victory last night in the final Euro 2012 warm-up for both teams.

Having had their only other friendly against Luxembourg cancelled on Tuesday due to an earthquake in the Emilia Romagna region, this was Italy coach Cesare Prandelli’s one chance to test his side before the European Championships begin next Friday in Poland and Ukraine.

But goals from lively Zenit St Petersburg pair Alexander Kerzhakov and Roman Shirokov, with two, condemned the 2006 world champions to a third successive friendly defeat without finding the net.

And yet there had been encouraging signs in the first period.

They may be a team apparently lacking in quality but two of their few genuine stars combined early on to show their worth.

Andrea Pirlo’s pinpoint chip over the defence was controlled by Mario Balotelli on his chest as he ran into the box from an angle and his first time volley was well saved by goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev.

But Russia came closest to scoring in the first period as their busy forward pairing of Shirokov and Kerzhakov combined, with the latter hitting the post with a low volley.

Italy were a whisker away from the lead as Daniele De Rossi got behind the Russian defence and crossed for Balotelli but he failed to get a decisive touch under pressure from a defender.

Russia were enjoying the greater number of chances but Konstantin Zyryanov fired wide and Buffon unconvincingly batted away Yuri Zhirkov’s effort at his near post.

Both sides changed their goalkeeper at half-time but it was Italy who twice carved open their opponents early in the second period, only for Cassano to volley off target and Claudio Marchisio scuffed his effort.

But Russia then went up the other end and hesitant defending from Italy allowed Shirokov to find the unmarked Kerzhakov 15 yards out to thrash home past a helpless Morgan De Sanctis on 59 minutes.

A host of substitutions disrupted the flow of the game but then a horror gaffe from Italy 15 minutes from time sealed Russia’s win.

With the ball running back to De Sanctis, Maggio left it for his keeper, who was slow to come out, allowing Arshavin to nip in and challenge.

De Sanctis just got there first but his clearance, from wide right, went into the centre of the box and straight to Shirokov who tapped the ball home.

And Shirokov headed in the third a minute from time after more woeful defending from Italy.