By Daily Sports on October 10, 2017

Antonio Candreva lifted Italy to a 1-0 win over Albania in their final World Cup qualifying game on Monday that assures the Azzurri are top seeds for November's playoffs.

Gian Piero Ventura's side were already through to next month's playoffs, but desperately needed a win in Shkoder to be guaranteed the status of top seeds in the draw on 17 October.

"This was the objective we had set. I think we took another small step forward, but we continue to control the game badly and give the ball away too often," said Ventura.

"I had faith when people said the situation was dramatic and I have faith now."

After a tight first half, Inter Milan winger Candreva found the way through after 73 minutes at the Loro Borici Stadium.

Atalanta midfielder Leonardo Spinazzola packed a neat cross from the left for the 30-year-old, who rifled into the top of the net from close range to mark his 50th selection for the Azzurri.

"We wanted to prove ourselves after the Macedonia game (1-1)," said Candreva.

"Victories can't be taken for granted. We talked and realised that we had to get back together and be solid going into the playoffs,” he said. © AFP

•Photo shows Antonio Candreva.

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 10, 2017

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