Italy had to battle more than expected to overcome Scotland 1-0 in a friendly international in Malta this evening.

Graziano Pelle grabbed the all-important goal midway through the second half to hand Italy a timely tonic ahead of Euro 2016 finals which get under way on June 10.

Italy made all the running with Scotland opting to soak up the pressure and try to catch their opponents with quick forays.

On seven minutes Italy came agonisingly close to an opener. They were awarded a free-kick on the right channel and Antonio Candreva’s effort was somehow kept out by goalkeeper David Marshall. Giaccherini was first on the rebound but the Bologna midfielder was again denied by the Scotland no.1.

Giaccherini had another chance on 23 minutes when he was left unmarked inside the area to meet Antonio Candreva’s cross but he blasted the ball over.

Six minutes later, Giaccherini had another a clear-cut chance when he was put clear by an inch-perfect De Rossi pass but he fired wide.

Italy threatened again on 35 minutes when after a good choral passing move, Giaccherini picked Candreva inside the area but his volley flashed wide.

A minute from the break, Italy protested from a penalty when Eder looked to have been brought down in the area by Charlie Mulgrew but Alan Mario Sant waved play on.

Italy started the second half with a more aggressive approach and they finally got the breakthrough on 56 minutes. Pelle collected possession on the edge of the area and hit a rasping drive that gave no chance to Marshall.