Giampiero Ventura put Italy’s errors down to “inexperience” in Macedonia, but was impressed by the character to come back and win 3-2.
The Azzurri had been 1-0 up at half-time through Andrea Belotti’s first senior goal, then the hosts netted twice in two minutes on midfield misplaced passes.
Ciro Immobile then managed a brace to complete the comeback and win at the 92nd minute.
Giampiero Ventura put Italy’s errors down to “inexperience” in Macedonia, but was impressed by the character to come back and win 3-2.
The Azzurri had been 1-0 up at half-time through Andrea Belotti’s first senior goal, then the hosts netted twice in two minutes on midfield misplaced passes.
Ciro Immobile then managed a brace to complete the comeback and win at the 92nd minute.
“About 90 per cent of our mistakes were down to a lack of experience and, if you can say that, superficiality. When there are many youngsters on the field, you must have patience,” Ventura told Rai Sport.
Of the starting XI, six were under the age of 25.
“The fightback showed great character. We had 10-15 minutes of black-out in which we were not a team, but we got back together and went out to find this victory.
“This is yet more proof that at the end of the day we can achieve something very good.”
The game seemed to change when Italy moved to 4-3-3, introducing Nicola Sansone and Marco Parolo.
“We changed our system towards the end and pegged Macedonia back into their own half. We need to work.”