Italy vs. Azerbaijan, Euro 2016 qualifying: Final score 2-1, Giorgio Chiellini scores all three

Azerbaijan gave Italy a bit of a scare in Palermo, coaxing Giorgio Chiellini into an own goal with fifteen minutes left to play. But the defender had opened the scoring and managed to put the ball into the correct net minutes later, ensuring the azzurri were spared blushes and maintain a perfect record in their Euro qualifying campaign.

As expected, Italy spent the first half bossing around Azerbaijan. Yet the attackers often failed to hit their stride, and it seemed that both inexperience and lack of communication were hindering the front two of Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile.

Fortunately, the azzurri brought with them plenty of experience in the form of Andrea Pirlo, now 35 and one of the country’s most capped players. It was no surprise, then, when it was a Pirlo free kick that created the first goal, just before the break. The veteran put in a perfect delivery, which Juventus teammate Chiellini rose up to meet. Although goalkeeper Kamran Agayev attempted to punch the ball away, the header sailed on to break the deadlock.

But, with just fifteen minutes left to play, Chiellini turned the villain. After Andrea Ranocchia needlessly gave away a corner -- no doubt astonished by Azerbaijan’s rare foray forward -- Chiellini came racing in to prevent the ball from reaching Agayev. Instead, he bundled it right past Gigi Buffon.

Azerbaijan’s exultation didn’t last long. And, once again, it was Chiellini that made the difference. Sebastian Giovinco, on just after the equalizer, put in the cross for his Juve teammate, giving Chiellini the chance to lash in yet another header.

Goals: Chiellini 44’; 81’

Azerbaijan: Agayev; Qirtimov (Ramaldanov 46), Sadigov, Huseynov, Allahverdiev; Nazarov, Amirquiliyev (Nadirov 86), Qarayev, Abdullayev; Aliyev, Dadashov (Huseynov 58)

Goals: Chiellini o.g. 76’