England 1 Italy 2

Vincenzo Montella proved the most telling of 19 substitutions at Leeds to score twice to win this friendly.

After a dire first half enlivened only by a shot on the drop from Michael Owen in the 26th minute which Gianluigi Buffon saved, matters improved and Italy were roused after the home team took a 63rd minute lead.

Joe Cole forced Alessandro Nesta into a foolish back heel that allowed Robbie Fowler to sweep in a low finish following England coach Sven Goran Eriksson's decision to make 9 substitutions at half time.

But three minutes later AS Roma's in-form forward launched a rising shot into the top corner of the net past goalkeeper David James in a goal he created himself from nothing.

A misshapen England were rocked by this and had to defend for the rest of the game.

Montella hit a volley from a great Demetrio Albertini through pass that saw the striker go close in the 73rd minute.

Montella was also free and clear to head on target from a corner cick but James saved and these two met again to decide this friendly.

Montella put substitute Massimo Maccarone free and clear and the under-21 player - who scored in the 1-1 draw last night - waited for James' clumsy challenge as he sidestepped the ball and Montella launched a classy drive from the spot to win the game with hits last piece of action.