Italy coach Roberto Mancini was happy to grind out their 2-0 World Cup qualifying win in Lithuania on Wednesday.
The match was won by substitute Stefano Sensi and a last-gasp Ciro Immobile penalty.
“It was the third game in seven days, so even if we rotated the squad, we knew it would be difficult. The pitch was in awful condition, they were more accustomed to the artificial turf," Mancini told RAI Sport.
“We had more chances to score, but the important thing was to win tonight. If we'd converted all the chances we created, it would've been an easier ride."
Mancini's team has now equalled Marcello Lippi's run of 25 games unbeaten and is only five behind Vittorio Pozzo's all-time record of 30.
“I'm happy we are top of the group, it's pleasing, but records are standalone issues compared to real results. I hope to match Lippi at the World Cup...
“The glass is always half-full, because three days ago Switzerland on home turf only beat Lithuania 1-0. Every match is difficult.
“We have to evaluate the match fitness, the lack of sharpness, and I remember Arrigo Sacchi's Italy only won here 1-0 back in the day. If you break the deadlock early, it can open up, but even when 1-0 down, Lithuania still sit back and defend.
“We made a few too many mistakes, the ball bounced irregularly, so we were a little concerned."
