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Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 11:11
Italy beats Armenia 9-1 for biggest win since 1948
By Associated Press
Tuesday, November 19, 2019, 11:11 By Associated Press

Italy's Nicolo' Barella, right, celebrates with teammate Nicolo' Zaniolo after he scored his side's third goal during a group J qualifying soccer match between Italy and Armenia at the Renzo Barbera stadium, in Palermo, Italy, Nov 18, 2019. (ANSA VIA AP)

PALERMO, Sicily - Italy achieved its biggest win in more than 70 years when it beat Armenia 9-1 in its last qualifier for the 2020 European Championship on Monday.

Italy's biggest win since a 9-0 result against the United States in 1948 featured three Italians scoring their first international goals.

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You don't score nine goals in an international match by chance. They gave everything

Roberto Mancini, Coach, Italy

Nicolo Zaniolo, debutant Riccardo Orsolini, and Federico Chiesa all got off the mark to help Italy to a record-extending 11th successive victory.

Chiesa hit the woodwork twice before finishing off the scoring for Italy nine minutes from time.

Italy, which had already qualified for Euro 2020 as Group J winner, ensured it progressed with a perfect record of 10 wins in 10 matches. It also beat the United States in a friendly last year.

"You don't score nine goals in an international match by chance," Italy coach Roberto Mancini said. "They gave everything.

"They're all young lads who are improving match by match, they just need time. ... We have six months to prepare for the European Championship, we have to improve a few things, and then the difficulty will be to unfortunately leave someone at home who deserves to be there."

Italy was 2-0 up after less than 10 minutes and 4-0 at halftime following a Ciro Immobile brace, Zaniolo's goal, and one for Nicolo Barella.

Italy's Riccardo Orsolini celebrates after scoring his side's eights goal during a group J qualifying soccer match between Italy and Armenia at the Renzo Barbera stadium, in Palermo, Italy, Nov 18, 2019. (ANSA VIA AP)

There was a less frantic start to the second period but Zaniolo added another in the 64th and Alessio Romagnoli bundled in a rebound and Jorginho converted a penalty.

READ MORE: Italy beats Bosnia 3-0 for record 10th straight win

Edgar Babayan pulled one back for Armenia between the goals for Orsolini and Chiesa.

Italy's Ciro Immobile, left, scores his side's first goal past Armenia's goalkeeper Aram Airapetyan during a group J qualifying soccer match between Italy and Armenia at the Renzo Barbera stadium, in Palermo, Italy, Nov 18, 2019. (ANSA VIA AP)

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