Gonzalo Higuain and Ever Banega found the net as Argentina defeated Italy in Rome in a friendly on Wednesday night.

© Getty Images

The result means that Italy have now failed to beat Argentina in four attempts since their last victory over the South Americans, which came in the group stages at World Cup 1982.

Higuain broke the deadlock on 20 minutes and then assisted Banega for the second, which came just after half time.

Lorenzo Insigne pulled one back for Italy with a long-range effort 14 minutes from time, but, despite sustained late pressure, Argentina resolutely held on to record their seventh win in 11 matches.

Higuain has now scored 21 goals in 33 senior international appearances, while Banega, who plays his club football for Valencia, has scored two in 20 for his country.