Valletta, March 27 (IANS): Italy bounced back from their defeat to England in Euro 2024 qualifying Group C with a 2-0 win over Malta, with Mateo Retegui scoring again. The Azzurri's campaign didn't start on the right foot as they lost 2-1 to England in their opening match on Thursday, representing their first defeat in European qualifiers since 2006, reports Xinhua. You can watch the highlights of Malta vs Italy match here. 

Head coach Roberto Mancini made radical changes in the starting line-up, opting for a new midfield partnership of Matteo Pessina, Sandro Tonali and Bryan Cristante, while Argentina-born forward Retegui led the line flanked by Matteo Politano and Wilfried Gnonto. Cristiano Ronaldo Scores a Brace As Portugal Register 6–0 Victory Over Luxembourg in UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers (Watch Goal Video Highlights).

The reigning European champions got the job done in the first half, as Retegui broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when Tonali's corner allowed him to score his second goal in as many games, before Pessina sealed the win in the 27th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo Reacts After Scoring a Brace in Portugal’s 6–0 Victory Over Luxembourg in UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers (See Post).

In Group C's earlier fixture, England made it two wins from two as they beat Ukraine 2-0.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 27, 2023 10:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).