Football

LISBON — Andre Silva scored the only goal as European champions Portugal — without superstar Cristiano Ronaldo — got their Nations League campaign off the mark with a 1-0 win over Italy in Lisbon on Monday.

Ronaldo, 33, had been left out of the squad at his own request to focus on his new Italian club Juventus.

But the Euro 2016 winners showed no sign of missing their star striker, dominating the Italians to secure their first three points in a Group 3 that also includes Poland.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini suffered his first competitive setback after being held by Poland 1-1 in their opener on Friday in Bologna, with the Azzurri on one point after two games.

"We made too many mistakes, but the lads gave everything," said Mancini.

"We need to find a solution to scoring goals because you don’t win games without scoring. That’s our main problem right now."

Silva scored three minutes into the second half with the on-loan Sevilla striker picking up a Bruma cross to beat Gianluigi Donnarumma in the Italy goal.

Italy had been fortunate to keep their goal clear in the first half, largely thanks to Donnarumma, as Portugal dictated play in the Estadio Da Luz.

Bernardo Silva’s effort was cleared off the line by Alessio Romagnoli with a Bruma effort deflected onto the bar.

Italy fought back with Ciro Immobile and Simone Zaza threatening just before the break.

Mancini had rang the changes with an experimental side with seven new players starting — midfielder Jorginho and Donnarumma the only pair to be retained from the draw with Poland.

In the same 4-3-3 lineup, Lazio striker Immobile came in for Mario Balotelli, who was heavily-criticised for his performance against Poland before coming off with a muscle problem.

SPAL’s Manuel Lazzari made his international debut on the right of defense. Federico Chiesa and Andre Silva both missed chances early, while a Zaza back-heel flick for Immobile was cleared in the box.

William Carvalho fired just wide from distance and Jorginho’s volley was cleared.

Portugal grabbed the winner soon after the restart through Silva with Bernardo Silva coming close to a second only for Donnarumma to clear.

Italy struggled to create chances, apart from a Zaza header that went wide 12 minutes from time.

The four-time world champions now risk being relegated from their Nations League group after also failing to qualify for the World Cup.

"We must help the youth grow, as we don’t have alternatives," said former Manchester City and Inter Milan coach Mancini.

"Improving the physical condition overall will make things easier but the main problem we need to resolve is not scoring goals." — AFP