Italy have beaten Malta 2-0 in Modena, thanks to goals from Mattia Destro and Federico Peluso.
The hosts made an early breakthrough in the fifth minute, with Destro drilling a shot past Andrew Hogg from inside the area to put Italy ahead.
Despite controlling much of the play in the first half, the Italians failed to extend their lead, with Pablo Daniel Osvaldo squandering a clear opportunity inside the six-yard box.
Italy continued to enjoy long spells of possession in the second period but the visitors remained strong to restrict the number of chances.
Destro could have scored a second goal late on but Andrew Hogg superbly denied the striker a brace.
The home side confirmed victory in the final minutes as Peluso converted Andrea Pirlo's cross with a powerful header.
Callum Mulvihill
