With a week left until their European Championship  debut against Belgium, Italy prepared with a win and a successful display that went beyond the final score in their final friendly. If Conte wanted to evaluate the value of his side in their final warm-up match as he had said before, the 2-0 win over Finland was an important insight into the squad’s condition. Above all, the match offered interesting suggestions as to which individuals the head coach might pick. There was a goal in each half with Antonio Candreva scoring from the penalty spot in the 27th minute before Daniele De Rossi doubled the lead with a perfect header in the 71st minute. It was a wonderful return to Verona 27 years after the Azzurri’s last visit ( a 1-1 draw with Uruguay) and the Bentegodi Stadium was sold out with the fans in a party mood as they enthusiastically applauded the national side as they are set to head off on their French adventure.

There were changes for Italy after their game on Sunday 29th May in Malta against Scotland. The defence was identical with Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini starting although Sirigu took Buffon’s place in goal. The midfield was made up of Candreva, Parolo, Motta, Giaccherini and El Shaarawy with the duo of Pellè and Eder making way for the partnership of Zaza and Immobile up front. With the wide players playing high up the pitch and the two forwards capable of a give and go, Italy won over the 28,000 fans at the Bentegodi, especially in the first 30 minutes. They created at least four chances with two for Zaza and two for Immobile. It wasn’t easy for the Azzurri to find space against a Finland side  who sat back in their own half and Italy tended to attack down the left. If Italy were lively and convincing, Finland were only interested in defending. In the 27th minute the Azzurri took the lead with a penalty from Candreva after he himself was fouled in the opposition area.

Only one goal was at risk as Sirigu was practically untested for the whole of the first half. Things didn’t change in the second half. Conte made the first two changes by bringing Sturaro on for his debut in place of Giaccherini and De Rossi came on for Thiago Motta. Zaza and Immobile were very lively but it was El Shaarawy who worried Finland in the 66th minute with a deflected shot that went out for a corner. It was then the substitute De Rossi to make the Bentegodi roar as he perfectly headed home from a Candreva cross to make it 2-0 for Italy.

In the meantime there were other substitutions: Florenzi for El Shaarawy and Bernardeschi for Candreva. Ogbonna was given some minutes at the end as he came on for Bonucci. Pellè also made a cameo appearance as Zaza was brought off and he deserved a goal after forcing a great save from Hradecky in the 77th minute. The match ended with a final Azzurri attack as Immobile had a shot saved by the Finland goalkeeper.