Italy won 10 internationals in a row for the first time in their 109-year history when goals from Francesco Acerbi, Lorenzo Insigne and Andrea Belotti gave them a 3-0 victory at Bosnia & Herzegovina in a lop-sided Euro 2020 qualifier on Friday, reports Reuters.
The Italians, who were already assured of advancing, top Group J with a maximum 27 points and were joined by second-placed Finland (18 points) who earlier reached their first major tournament with a 3-0 home win over Liechtenstein.
The result meant coach Roberto Mancini improved on Vittorio Pozzo’s run of nine straight wins between 1938 and 1939.
“Let’s remember that he won five trophies with the national team so there is still a long road ahead,” said Mancini, who took over after Italy missed out on last year’s World Cup and has overseen a remarkable turnaround. “Of course, I’m pleased to have bettered a legend such as him.”
Under Pozzo, Italy won the 1934 and 1938 World Cups, the 1936 Olympic Games as well as the now defunct Central European International Cup twice.
Italy’s current streak includes a friendly win over the United States followed by nine matches in Euro 2020 qualifying so far. They finish by hosting Armenia on Monday.