Italy vs. Azerbaijan: Winners and Losers from Euro 2016 Qualifier

Antonio Conte led Italy into competitive action for the second time on Friday night, with his Azzurri facing Azerbaijan in a Euro 2016 qualifying match. With a 2-0 victory over Norway already under their belts, it was clear another three points would help them strengthen their position in Group H.

The new coach was fortunate to be able to name a very similar line-up to the one which saw off the Scandinavian side last month, making just three changes. As well as the fit-again Andrea Pirlo, there were recalls for fellow Juventus players Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio, replacing Davide Astori, Daniele De Rossi and Emanuele Giaccherini.

Italy would eventually emerge as 2-1 winners, leaving themselves and Croatia as the only sides with maximum points after two games. Over the following pages is a look at the winners and losers from the match at Palermo’s Renzo Barbera Stadium.

Andrea Pirlo returned to action for Italy, but the midfielder was monitored closely by Azerbaijan, leaving Leonardo Bonucci to impress in the playmaking role. Fresh from his match-winning performance against Roma, the defender shone once again, pressing forward to good effect and can consider himself unlucky not to have scored.

Stats site WhoScored.com shows the Juventus man was Italy’s leading passer, completing 87 attempts at a rate of 86.2 per cent.

Despite having barely featured for Juventus, Sebastian Giovinco was once again called to represent the Azzurri by Conte. The coach was not disappointed, as the diminutive striker rattled the woodwork and registered an assist to Giorgio Chiellini.

The striker declared his happiness at being able to contribute, telling Italian state broadcaster RAI (h/t Football Italia):

I am happy with the performance, above all with the win, as that was the important thing. If I am here it means I’ve done something important.

I sent a signal this evening. I’ve already hit the woodwork twice this season with Juventus and Italy, so I hope they start going in!

If a win for Italy was predictable, the fact Giorgio Chiellini netted both goals was undoubtedly a major surprise. The Juventus stopper netted two simple goals from corners, inexplicably left unmarked on both occasions to head past Kamran Agayev.

According to Who Scored, the 30-year-old also weighed in with two tackles and five interceptions, completing an impressive all-round performance.

If Giorgio Chiellini was a hero at one end, the defender was undoubtedly a loser at the other, his own goal handing Azerbaijan a lifeline in the match. Having given Italy the lead, the Juventus stalwart accidentally bundled home an equaliser at point-blank range.

“I did everything tonight, good and bad!” Chiellini said, summing up his performance perfectly to RAI shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia).

While the Azzurri recorded their second straight win, Mario Balotelli was once again a notable absentee. Yet to be called up by Italy under Conte, the Liverpool striker has not quite been missed.

With the team looking comfortable without him, the 24-year-old will have his work cut out to regain his place with Simone Zaza, Ciro Immobile and Giovinco all looking sharp.