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New-look Italy beat Ecuador, more England injuries

Staff WritersAP
European champions Italy have beaten Ecuador as preparations continue ahead of their title defence. (AP PHOTO)
Camera IconEuropean champions Italy have beaten Ecuador as preparations continue ahead of their title defence. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AP

An early goal from Lorenzo Pellegrini and a late strike from Nicolo Barella have given a revamped Italy side a 2-0 friendly win over Ecuador at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

Azzurri coach Luciano Spalletti made 11 changes to the line-up from Friday's 2-1 win over Venezuela, handing more players a chance to prove themselves before Euro 2024 in Germany.

Pellegrini put the defending European champions ahead on Monday (AEDT) after three minutes by smashing home after the ball rebounded off the wall from a free-kick.

Deep into added time, Italy counter-attacked and Barella lobbed goalkeeper Javier Burrai to seal the win.

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Spalletti said the US tour had been positive for the team as they prepare to defend their title in June.

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"There were many events, appointments and continual journeys, so managing to put it all together the way we did between the (Italian Football) Federation and the team on the field, that makes it a very good tour," he told RAI Sport.

"We had some good performances, there were some things we need to sort out and didn't have much time to work on, but these games help us to analyse and then find something positive."

Italy have two more friendlies against Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina before heading to the Euros, where they have been drawn with Spain, Albania and Croatia in Group B.

Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Sam Johnstone meantime have left England's squad through injury ahead of a friendly against Belgium.

Gareth Southgate's team fell to their first defeat in 15 months on Sunday as teenager Endrick's late effort secured Brazil a 1-0 win at Wembley Stadium.

Walker and Maguire started that match but both defenders left the camp, as did backup goalkeeper Johnstone, ahead of the game against Belgium at the same venue.

Manchester City defender Rico Lewis and uncapped Burnley 'keeper James Trafford were moved up from the U21s to the senior squad.

With Reuters.

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