We caught their last game with Venezuela, so we figured why not stick with the Azzurri on their mini States tour for their game against Ecuador, making another instalment in our Framed series.
This International break has thrown up some great kit debuts, and Italy were one of the first with their away kit getting a run out in their game against Venezuela. Now their home kit has had its debut too, featuring in their match against Ecuador, and like the first game, this one also ended up being a win to Italy. Fans of both sides were out in force at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, only a few kilometres from New York, bringing their typical party atmosphere to proceedings both before and during the game.
Coach Luciano Spalletti made 11 changes to the Italy lineup from Thursday’s game, giving more players a chance to prove themselves before the Euro 2024 finals in Germany. An early goal from Pellegrini and a very late finish from Barella following an Italy counter bookended the result, underlining a successful mid-season tour for the Azzurri. Ecuador had a spell in the game where they became a more attacking threat after the hour mark, but the result never really looked in doubt. Italy have two more friendlies in June, against Turkey and Bosnia, before heading to the tournament in Germany.
Photography by Katie Cahalin for SoccerBible.
