Jorginho penalty wins point for Azzurri

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho clipped home a late penalty to secure Italy a 1-1 draw against Poland in their Nations League opener in Bologna last night.

The Azzurri went into a first competitive game under new boss Roberto Mancini looking to rebuild following failure to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958.

However, for long spells it was a laboured performance at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, where Napoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski had volleyed Poland into a deserved first-half lead.

Italy eventually stepped things up during the closing stages, with Jorginho coolly converting from the spot in the 78th minute after substitute Federico Chiesa, son of former Italy striker Enrico, had been brought down.

Forward Mario Balotelli made his first competitive appearance for the Azzurri since the 2014 World Cup, having been drafted back into the international squad by his former club boss at both Inter Milan and Manchester City.

Meanwhile Russia built on their strong showing, as hosts, at the World Cup with a 2-1 win over Turkey in Trabzon.

Denis Cheryshev scored a fine volley to put the visitors in front after 13 minutes, only for Serdar Aziz to equalise four minutes before half-time.

But Artem Dzyuba restored Russia’s lead four minutes after the break to give them an ideal start to League B Group 2.

Taulant Xhaka scored 10 minutes into the second half as Albania beat Israel 1-0 in Elbasan.

Former Southampton forward Dusan Tadic’s penalty proved the difference as Serbia edged Lithuania 1-0 in Group 4.

The visitors hit the woodwork four times in Vilnius, including through Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

The other Group 4 game ended goalless between Romania and Montenegro in Ploiesti, while Azerbaijan and Kosovo’s League D Group 3 clash in Baku was also 0-0.

In the other game in the same pool, the Faroe Islands beat Malta 3-1 thanks to goals from Joan Edmundsson, Rene Joensen and Hallur Hansson.