The Italian National Team traveled to Armenia, where they faced the Armenian National Team at the city of Yerevan on Thursday. The Azzurra, who failed to feature in the Russian World Cup last year, is trying to make things right this time, and are betting with high stakes on next year’s Euro. The Italians are leading the Group J and completed five wins in five games as they defeated Armenia 3-1 away. The striker Belotti was the highlight of the match, scoring twice for the Italians. The defeat left Armenia with only 6 points, as Italy have 15.
Despite the 3-1 win, the match wasn’t this easy for Italy on early stages. The Italians were the favorites and tried to impose themselves, but Armenia was smart enough to capitalize on the spaces left by the Italians to open the scoring on a counter. On 11 minutes, Barseghyan’s long ball picked Karapetian out as the striker finished home past AC Milan’s Donnarumma. 1-0 Armenia.
However, Italy reacted even before the break and got the equalizer at 28. In a good solo move by Emerson Palmieri down the left, the Chelsea player perfectly crossed it to Belotti, who had no difficulties to tap into the back of the net. 1-1.
Things got hard for the Armenians, as at the end of the first half, Karapetian was sent off, leaving the hosts down to 10-men. It even took Italy sometime to complete their come back, but it came in on 77 minutes through Pellegrini. Shortly after, the Italians wrapped the game up through Belotti, once again, making it 3-1 to Italy.
After the good 3-1 away win, Italy will be back at the Qualifiers on Sunday, as they will face Finland at the Ratina Stadium in Helsinki. On the same day, Armenia will play again in Yerevan against Bosnia and Herzegovina, both matches for the Group J.