Italy vs. Malta: Score and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier

Italy marginally defeated Malta at home in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Thursday night, as a solitary goal by Graziano Pelle gave them a 1-0 victory.

The Southampton striker used his hip to force the ball over the line deep in the second half, as the Italians offered little in the way of quality. 

The first half was a drab affair as Italy failed to make an impression on their opposition's defence. The Azzurri began in a 4-3-3 formation with Pelle leading the attack; legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo also started—despite his move away from European football to play in MLS for New York City. 

ALBERTO PIZZOLI/Getty Images

Chances were few and far between for Italy in the first 45 minutes, with Pirlo nearly converting a free-kick in the opening minutes after Pelle was fouled. Pirlo's shot clipped the wall, taking the shot just off target to the relief of the Maltese. 

Marco Verratti also threatened the Malta goal midway through the half, but the midfielder lacked composure and saw his deflected effort sail over. 

Despite being huge underdogs, Malta's defence was resolute and soaked up most of the pressure with ease. WhoScored.com gave their opinion on player ratings as the action reached half time, displaying the away team's compact eight-man back line:

Italy continued to dominate possession in the second half, with the Maltese looking more tired than at any point in the first 45 minutes. 

Manolo Gabbiadini then provided the Azzurri with their best moment of the night as he hit the upright with a curling effort on the stroke of an hour played. 

Manchester United new boy Matteo Darmian continued to apply good pressure from his full-back berth, and Italy looked like they were heading toward a goal. 

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And the moment came with 20 minutes left on the clock as Pelle bundled the ball home in a crowded penalty area. The striker repeated this feat in his debut for Italy last year, when he scored against Malta to claim a 1-0 win.  

Football blogger Gianluca Nesci mused at the potential of Pelle—if he was paired up with one of Italy's most famous players:

Italy continued to come forward in the closing minutes of the game but appeared content with the single goal win. 

The unthinkable nearly happened in the closing moments as Malta almost grabbed a shock equaliser. Alfred Effiong burst through on goal, hitting the post with his shot, but the effort was adjudged offside. 

Malta looked dangerous as they gambled to level the match, and Italy inexplicably sat off their midfield, allowing them the ball. 

The Maltese had hope in the final seconds but simply didn't have the quality or spark to land the counterpunch they needed. The Italian's gratefully took the 1-0 win and look forward to better nights. 

Giuseppe Bellini/Getty Images

Malta were out of Italy's league, but the hosts played a scrappy match for most of the game.

Pelle gave the Italians a good outlet in attack, but the depth of Malta's defence was too much for the Azzurri's creative hub. 

However, Italy will only care about one fact: winning the three points from the game. That is exactly what they did in a football match to quickly forget.