Italy midfielder takes positives from narrow win over Malta

Lazio midfielder Marco Parolo believes Italy’s 1-0 victory over Malta in their Euro 2016 qualifier at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Thursday night will give the squad confidence ahead of Sunday’s match against Bulgaria.

The 30-year-old replaced AC Milan’s Andrea Bertolacci ten minutes after the break to help the Azzurri obtain victory thanks to a Graziano Pelle header twenty minutes from the end.

“It was important to win, it is never easy to find the first goal against teams with a defensive attitude,” Parolo told Rai Sport.

“The goal was always coming, especially in the second half as we pushed forward so much. We are happy with the three points, we are first in the group along with Croatia.

“With victory obtained, it gives us moral for the next challenge. I hope we can win on Sunday.”