Italy vs. Azerbaijan: Score, Grades and Reaction from Euro 2016 Qualifier

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: October 10, 2014

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Giorgio Chiellini netted an unusual hat-trick as Italy defeated Azerbaijan 2-1 in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday evening at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Palermo.

Italy dominated possession throughout the match but made hard work of breaking down visiting Azerbaijan. The hosts finally went ahead in the 44th minute via a Chiellini header, but Azerbaijan equalised in the second half as Chiellini bundled the ball into his own net.

Facing an embarrassing draw on home soil, Italy found the winner in the 82nd minute as Chiellini headed in his third goal of the night—the all-important second for his side. Infostrada Sports shared a significant achievement Chiellina accomplished during the match:



With the win, Italy maintained their 100 per cent record in Group H, which they top with Croatia on six points through two matches. 

Up next for Antonio Conte's side is a trip to Malta on Monday, another match the Azzurri will expect to win.

The top two teams in each group qualify automatically for the final Euro 2016 tournament in France.



As expected, Italy dominated possession from the start and quickly set out in search of the opening goal. But the home side probably did not expect to wait quite so long for the breakthrough.

The first big chance arrived in the sixth minute, as Ciro Immobile pounced on a defensive error and set up Claudio Marchisio, who blazed over the bar.

In the 26th minute, Andrea Pirlo picked out Leonardo Bonucci with a corner, but Bonucci's diving header was saved. Eleven minutes later, another Pirlo corner found Andrea Ranocchia, but Ranocchia placed his header over the bar.

Pirlo and Italy wouldn't be denied much longer, however. The opener finally arrived just before half-time, with the veteran playmaker prominently involved.

In the 44th minute, Pirlo curled in yet another corner from the left, pic...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football

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