Veteran Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini says he enjoyed the 'physical battle' against Northern Ireland last night.
The Azzurri scored twice in the first half to record a 2-0 win in Parma.
Roberto Mancini's side looked comfortable at the break, but a spirited Northern Ireland performance in the second half offers the visitors some encouragement for the remainder of the campaign.
Chiellini said the clash with Ian Baraclough's side was "the kind of game I really enjoy playing".
He told RAI Sport: “We won, we didn’t concede, so that is a good start.
“It was a very good first half, in the second we made a few too many mistakes, but we deserved the victory.”
Chiellini partnered his Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci in the heart of Italy's defence to dilute the threat of Josh Magennis and counter Northern Ireland's threat at the set-piece.
“It’s the kind of game I really enjoy playing, because they are physical and dangerous on the second ball or set plays," Chiellini added.
"We were very concentrated, especially in the first half, but I think the coach can be happy.”
Italy's next World Cup qualifier is against Bulgaria on Sunday and then Lithuania on March 31.
“We now have two away games that might seem easy on paper, but it’s always tough on your travels internationally. There are more dangers than might at first appear," he added.
“The good thing about this group is the interchangeability of the personnel, without changing the overall approach or performance of the team.
“The coach has many options available and that is important.”
