Giampiero Ventura's first competitive match as Italy coach ended in a 3-1 victory in Israel as they got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start despite Giorgio Chiellini's second-half red card.
Italy were seemingly coasting at 2-0 in Haifa, with Graziano Pelle converting Luca Antonelli's excellent low cross inside the six-yard box and Antonio Candreva doubling the lead from the penalty spot after Giacomo Bonaventura was fouled by Ben Bitton.
However, Israel were just one goal adrift at the break thanks to a stunning chip from Tal Ben Haim that left veteran Gianluigi Buffon stranded.
The situation became even more tense for the Azzurri when Chiellini was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence and Elisha Levy's side piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser.
But Ciro Immobile eased any Italian nerves with a goal on the counter attack in the 83rd minute and Ventura can now turn his attentions to next month's crucial Group G contest with Spain, who Italy knocked out of Euro 2016.
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