Toure on target to sink Italy
Published 23:21 10/08/10 By Pa Sports
Cesare Prandelli's reign as Italy head coach got off to a disappointing start as he watched his side fall to a narrow 1-0 defeat thanks to Kolo Toure's winner on a miserable night at Upton Park.
Prandelli, appointed as Marcello Lippi's successor in June, signalled his intent to draw a line under Italy's World Cup debacle by handing four players their first cap but they were unable to overcome an Ivory Coast side that looked a far more accomplished side than the 2006 world champions.
The Ivory Coast took a deserved lead in the 56th minute when Toure nodded home Guy Demel's cross from the touchline.
Italy were restricted to long shots for most of the second half with substitute Fabio Quagliarella and Marco Borriello the main protagonists.
The 11,000 plus crowd were treated to some show-boating by the Elephants as they continued to frustrate the opposition until the final whistle.
