Italy have come through a tough test against Armenia 3-1 in tonight's World Cup qualifier in Yerevan.

Andrea Pirlo gave the visitors an 11th-minute lead from the penalty spot following Hrayr Mkoyan's handball.

However, Armenia responded well and they got themselves level before the break thanks to Henrik Mkhitaryan's composed strike.

The hosts came out strongly for the second half and could have gone ahead but for Gianluigi Buffon's fine stop from Davit Manoyan's volley.

Italy were well below par in the second period but took the lead after the hour when Daniele De Rossi powered in a header from Pirlo's cross.

The Azzurri then sealed the win with eight minutes to play through Pablo Daniel Osvaldo's flicked header.