Chelsea midfielder Jorginho clipped home a late penalty to secure Italy a 1-1 draw against Poland in their Nations League opener in Bologna.
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.
Jorginho directed his penalty into the left corner, sending West Ham’s former Arsenal keeper Łukasz Fabiański the wrong way.