Ikechi Anya started as Scotland were comfortably beaten by Italy despite only conceding one goal in their friendly in Malta last night.

Southampton striker Graziano Pelle netted what proved to be the winner after 57 minutes, but the Euro 2016-bound Italians spurned a host of other opportunities to underline their dominance with further goals.

The Scots struggled to create anything as an attacking force and failed to register an on-target attempt, although Steven Naismith, who replaced the Watford wide man with 19 minutes remaining, set up Matt Ritchie but the Bournemouth player could only hit the side netting.

Having played in Romania’s 1-1 draw with Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday, Costel Pantilimon was an unused substitute as his side were beaten 4-3 by fellow European Championship finalists Ukraine.

The Romanians took the lead midway through the first half, but were pegged back just before the interval and then Ukraine took complete control with three goals in 11 minutes before the hour-mark.

However, Romania gave themselves a chance of salvaging a draw in Turin with goals in the 74th and 84th minutes.