Silvio Baldini made it two wins from two as Italy's interim head coach as Francesco Pio Esposito scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Greece. 

After fielding Italy's youngest starting line-up since December 1912 against Luxembourg last time out, Baldini's youngsters delivered again despite Luca Reggiani's sending off. 

The Azzurri's strong start was rewarded in the 18th minute through Esposito, who brilliantly controlled Jeff Ekhator before finding the bottom-left corner with an instinctive finish. 

Esposito almost grabbed his and Italy's second eight minutes before the break, but after collecting Davide Bartesaghi's pass, his shot was saved by Odysseas Vlachodimos. 

Italy flew out of the blocks in the second half and should have doubled their lead, but after being found by Seydou Fini at the back post, Luca Koleosho could only hit the crossbar. 

But for all of Italy's dominance, they were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute when Reggiani's last-man foul on Tasos Douvikas saw his international debut last just 13 minutes.

Greece, however, were unable to make their man advantage count, with Christos Zafeiris thundering his effort against the right post before Vangelis Pavlidis saw his shot smothered by Gianluigi Donnarumma two minutes from time. 

Esposito's scoring streak continues for revitalised Italy

Ahead of kick-off, Baldini urged his players to be relaxed and play with freedom at Pankritio Stadio, and though Reggiani's red card threw a spanner in the works, Italy's young players more than held their own against an experienced Greece side. 

But it was a moment of individual brilliance in attack from Esposito that was the difference, as he continued his fine start to life on the international stage. The Inter striker is just the fourth player to score in all of his first three starts for Italy, after Omar Enrique Sivori, Riccardo Carapellese and Annibale Frossi. 

Esposito also netted his fifth international goal, with only Giuseppe Meazza (11) scoring more times for his nation before turning 21. He also finished with team-high totals for shots (three) and chances created (three), and helped his team relieve the pressure late on by winning four fouls. 

It remains to be seen whether Baldini will still be in charge once Italy's Nations League campaign rolls around in September, with reports suggesting Antonio Conte is in line for a return, but the interim boss will be thrilled by what he saw from his players in what could be his final match at the helm. 

Italy finished with an expected goals (xG) total of 1.16 from their 10 shots, compared to Greece's tally of 0.5 from their six attempts at Donnarumma's net.