Italy continued their focus on nurturing young talent with a narrow 1-0 victory over Greece in an international friendly on Sunday, as two teenagers of Nigerian descent made their first starts for the Azzurri.
Head coach Silvio Baldini handed starting debuts to Genoa striker Jeff Ekhator and Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor in Crete, while Paris FC winger Luca Koleosho retained his place in the starting lineup following his appearance against Luxembourg.
The trio, all eligible to represent Nigeria at senior international level, were among several promising youngsters included in Italy’s squad for the June international window.
Ekhator proved to be one of the standout performers on the night and played a decisive role in the match-winning goal.
The 18-year-old forward delivered a dangerous cross from the left flank in the 18th minute, finding Pio Esposito, who finished calmly to score what turned out to be the only goal of the game.
The Genoa attacker had earlier threatened the Greek defence when he latched onto a pass from Comuzzo before dragging his effort narrowly wide, signalling his intent from the opening stages.
Ahanor also impressed during his first start, helping Italy maintain control at the back before both debutants were withdrawn at halftime as Baldini rotated his youthful squad.
Koleosho, meanwhile, emerged as Italy’s biggest attacking threat after the break.
The winger first saw an effort take a deflection before coming agonisingly close to doubling Italy’s advantage when his powerful left-footed strike rattled the crossbar after being set up by substitute Fini.
Despite Greece pushing for an equaliser, Italy held firm to secure the victory and continue their preparations with another encouraging display from their emerging generation.
The performances of Ahanor, Ekhator and Koleosho will undoubtedly attract attention beyond Italy, particularly in Nigeria, where all three remain eligible to represent the Super Eagles despite making their senior debuts for the four-time FIFA World Cup champions this month.
