The Seleção ended the season in fine fashion as a second-half Éder goal gave Portugal a first win over Italy in 39 years, in Geneva tonight.
Without star man Cristiano Ronaldo, Fernando Santos's men put in a solid display in an evenly fought and surprisingly high-paced friendly international.
The key moment came in the 53rd minute with a beautifully worked and finished goal. Eliseu embarked on a strong jinking run through midfield before releasing Quaresma, who advanced down the left flank before looking up and placing a perfect trivela cross into the path of the onrushing Éder whose thunderous finish into the roof of the net gave Sirigu no chance.
Midfielder Danilo and goalkeeper Beto staked a claim for a starting berth in the Portugal side with excellent performances, while the much-maligned pair of striker Éder and left-back Eliseu also deserve praise for their night's work.
João Moutinho once again proved that after Ronaldo he is Portugal's main man, with a typically dynamic and supremely effective all-round display.
Talisman Santos
Coach Fernando Santos has his critics, but he could hardly have asked for a more positive start to his tenure at the head of the national team. As well as four straight victories in his four competitive matches to virtually book Portugal's place at Euro 2016, Santos has also overseen the Seleção's first victory over Argentina in 42 years, a first ever win in Yerevan (at the third attempt), and now a first triumph over Italy for 39 years.
"It was an intense match, it seemed like they were two teams at the start of the season who gave their all," said Santos. "It was an even contest, perhaps we had some luck, but we deserved it. The spirit in this Seleção is fantastic. It's a team that wants to win badly, and that feels it is able to win."
With the U20s giving an excellent account of themselves at the New Zealand World Cup and the U21 team having enjoyed a fantastic two years (which they hope to crown with success at the U21 European Championship starting this week), things are looking up for Portuguese football.
by Tom Kundert
Portugal: Beto, Vieirinha (Cédric, 45'), Bruno Alves (Daniel Carriço, 59'), José Fonte, Fábio Coentrão (Eliseu, 24'), João Moutinho, Danilo, Tiago (Adrien Silva, 45') Quaresma (Pizzi, 87'), Éder, Varela (Nani, 76')
Goals:
[1-0] Éder, 53'
