SHKODER, Albania (Reuters) - Italy battled to a 1-0 win over Albania on Monday with a late Antonio Candreva goal as the struggling Group G runners-up head for the playoffs in a bid to reach next year's World Cup. Italy squandered several good chances until Candreva, unmarked to the left side of goalkeeper Etrit Berisha, was found with a ball across the area from Leonardo Spinazzola and fired home a powerful shot to give Italy the victory. “We played a great game, were united in our play and we brought the victory home," said midfielder Lorenzo Insigne. "Today we sought the victory at all costs and we managed to win. Their current manager Christian Panucci, a former Italy international, spurred his side to attack against his compatriots.

Source: The Star October 09, 2017 22:18 UTC