No Coach had previously won five consecutive qualifiers, but Roberto Mancini has now done six and he’ll be hoping to make it seven when Greece visit Rome on 12 October. “It could be the match that sees us qualify,” said Mancini after the whistle. “We hope to see a Stadio Olimpico full of fans.”

In Tampere, Italy struggled early on before taking control and deservedly winning the game despite Pukki’s equaliser. “We suffered a bit but we went looking for it,” added the Coach. “We were dominating the game, then we lost a ball that we shouldn't have lost but the guys did very well and my congratulations go to them. The players who came into the side, the five changes I made, they all did very well and it’s vital that you have different options. It’s in our nature to always attack, you have to give up some chances when you play that way but we really didn’t give up many. After the penalty which came from us losing the ball, they became braver but the guys did well until the end, scoring the goal to make it 2-1 and creating further chances.”

Italy were celebrating, as was Ciro Immobile following his first international goal in two years after he last struck against Israel in a World Cup qualifier. “It was a big weight around my neck not scoring for Italy,” said the Lazio forward. “Lots of things were being said but I always stayed calm in the belief that my moment would come. We’re happy. After the disappointment of the World Cup, we’re starting again in a brilliant fashion.” His eighth Italy goal was dedicated to his wife Jessica after Immobile became a father for the third time. “People have always tried to create controversy about me, saying that Immobile is out of control and even with the Coach, who I’ve never had a problem with.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma had a quiet evening and the third goal against of the qualifying campaign once again had no bearing on the result. “It was important to win and get the three points,” he said. “We had a great game and were really well-prepared. I got one thing wrong playing with my feet but everything went well. I’m happy.”