Gianluca Scamacca’s first-half finish earned Italy Under-21s a 1-0 win in Armenia to continue their unbeaten run under Paolo Nicolato.

Italy had eight attempts on target compared to Armenia’s paltry two but had just one goal to show for their efforts as Scamacca’s strike partners Riccardo Sottil and Patrick Cutrone failed to make their mark.

Vahan Bichakhchyan also hit the bar late on for the hosts, leaving Nicolato to rue the condition of his players.

“We were willing in our approach, but the team weren’t good physically,” the CT said after the match.

“We had many chances throughout, but if you don’t take them then you risk your opponents equalising.

“We improved with respect to the last game, but we lacked the right condition. The lads weren’t brilliant, but we overcame a difficult trip.

“It wasn’t easy today.”