Italy broke through in the 82nd minute when the 25-year-old Sampdoria forward, who came on as a second-half substitute, met Giacomo Bonaventura's corner with a glancing header which took a deflection off Hamdi Salihi into the goal.

Italy fielded an experimental team with goalkeeper Mattia Perin also making his debut when he came on in the second half.The question on everyone's mouth is will he be a replacement for the ever pertulant Mario Baletolli?

In an emotional twist to the game, Sassuolo defender Francesco Acerbi came on in the 81st minute to make his international debut one year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Acerbi had a tumour removed but the problem was found to have returned when he failed a doping test following a match at the start of December. After further treatment, he returned to Serie A action one month ago.

Match Stats: Italy vs Albania

Italy: Sirigu (Perin 73), Antonelli, Bonucci (Acerbi 82), De Silvestri, Moretti, Bertolacci (Bonaventura 70), Cerci (Gabbiadini 77), Parolo, Aquilani, Destro (Matri 64), Giovinco (Okaka 65)

Subs not used: Criscito, Rossettini, Rugani, Sturaro, Poli

Goal: Okaka, 82

Albania: Berisha, Hysaj (Ajeti 74), Mavraj, Lila (Rama 90), Cikalleshi (Salihi 78), Memushaj, Kukeli (Roshi 67), Cana, Lenjani (Balaj 86), Agolli, Abrashi (Shala 71)

Subs not used: Frasheri, Shehi, Curri, Bulku, Vajushi, Vila, Karabeci, Kapllani

WATCH GOAL VIDEO BELOW