Graziano Pelle claimed Italy’s 3-1 win away to Israel showed the team’s willingness to fight for new boss Giampiero Ventura.
Italy opened their World Cup qualifying campaign with a hard-fought victory, despite playing for more than half an hour with 10 men following a red card to Giorgio Chiellini.
At that stage they led 2-1 thanks to a close-range Pelle finish and an Antonio Candreva penalty.
The Azzurri looked to be cruising as the Israelis, rank outsiders even at home in front of a 29,300 crowd at Haifa’s Sammy Ofer Stadium, were dominated by their more accomplished opponents.
Israel’s fate appeared to be sealed after conceding the second goal but on 35 minutes striker Ben Chaim received a headed ball from Tomer Hemed 20 metres out on the right and, spotting Gianluigi Buffon off his line, chipped the ball elegantly into the back of the Italy keeper’s net.
However, despite their numerical advantage, Israel could not find an equaliser, and instead Ciro Immobile lashed home a third for Italy late on.
“We are pleased with the new staff and coach Ventura,” Pelle, who now plays his club football in China, was quoted as saying in the Italian media.
“We were aware how hard this match would be, we were focused until the end. Their goal galvanised them, but we showed we are a team that even with 10 men fights to the end.”
Immobile, who scored after coming on as a second-half substitute, added: “Before the match Ventura had told me that I could score because he had seen me do well in training. With him I have a special relationship, both personal and professional.
“This is a victory that means a lot, because ours is a tough group.”
Ventura was delighted with the win from his first qualifying fixture in charge following a 3-1 defeat by France in a friendly last week.
“This was not an easy fixture... I am happy with the result, even though the game did get a bit complicated after the Israeli goal but we managed to get through it.”
Next up for Italy next month is a home meeting with Spain, who opened their campaign with a thumping 8-0 win over Liechtenstein. Chiellini will miss the match through suspension.
Chiellini was sent off for the first time in an international after a second booking that came on 55 minutes as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.
But Israel squandered a handful of chances and were dealt a final blow on 83 minutes when substitute Immobile powered past the defence and blasted home a low shot from the right of the area to secure all three points.
Veteran Juventus defender Chiellini wrote on Twitter: “A bad night for me, fortunately our group was terrific and took home the three points.”