Euro qualifiers: Italy beat Finland 2-0

Rome: Italy began their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Finland, thanks to goals by young Nicolo Barella and teenager Moise Kean.

Barella, a 22-year-old midfielder for Cagliari, and Kean, 19-year-old Juventus forward, led the Italian lineup, selected by coach Roberto Mancini. The coach introduced young talent alongside veterans like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci to a squad that failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia.

The generational shift was illustrated by the selection of 19-year-old Serie A sensation Nicolo Zaniolo — who plays for Roma — and Fabio Quagliarella, a 36-year-old veteran currently at Sampdoria, who made a late substitute appearance.

After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup under coach Gian Piero Ventura and a subsequent underwhelming UEFA Nations League campaign, Italy needed to begin strongly on the road to Euro 2020, a tournament where it will host the inaugural match.

Italy will play the lower-ranked Liechtenstein on Tuesday and Finland will face Armenia on the same day. IANS

Also Read: SPORTS NEWS