Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has backed Luca Toni and Rolando Bianchi's decision to pursue their careers abroad.
"The goal aside, the positive thing was to see him in good physical shape despite the problems he had during pre-season training. He proved he has recovered and now he can only get better."
Bianchi was also on target on debut for Manchester City and Donadoni added: "Our talents will be able to take centre stage in foreign Leagues. Now I am waiting to see goals from Giuseppe Rossi, Cristiano Lucarelli and Graziano Pelle.
"I won't lose sight of any of them. Experience in other championships can help our players to grow."