Watch the action below from Italy’s 2-1 victory over Venezuela at the Chase Stadium in Miami, United States on Thursday evening, featuring an historic brace from Genoa striker Mateo Retegui and a fine double-save from the penalty spot from no. 1 Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Thursday’s friendly got off to a trick start for the Azzurri after Alessandro Buongiorno gave away an early penalty after a mix-up from Giorgio Scalvini and Destiny Udogie on the left-hand side.

Donnarumma not only kept the resulting penalty out, but also got up well to prevent the Venezuelan rebound from hitting the net.

Italy took the lead after 40 minutes when Manuel Locatelli pounced on a sloppy ball out from the Venezuela back line. He layed off Andrea Cambiaso, who in turn found Retegui, who was onside and able to convert with his second touch.

Retegui restored the Italian lead with 10 minutes of regular time left to play in the second half. It was a similar finish to his first, taking a touch to set himself before powering home a finish within the area after a neat turn under pressure.

What do the press say about Italy and Retegui?

Retegui gained plenty of praise from the Italian press for his display in the United States in what was otherwise described as a lacklustre performance from the rest of the team.

Retegui’s brace made him the first Genoa player to score twice in the same game for the Italy national team since 1928.

Many Italian outlets suggest that Luciano Spalletti may have found his starting striker just in time for the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany this summer.

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