A second-half strike from Pedro has given Spain a 1-0 win over Italy in their international friendly at Vicente Calderon in Madrid this evening.

The hosts made a bright start to the match, as Andres Iniesta played in Jordi Alba inside the opening two minutes, but the defender was denied by a Gianluigi Buffon save.

The visitors had their first chance shortly after when Alessio Cerci sent a high ball in towards the Spanish goal, only to see his effort hit the post.

While Cerci remained Italy's main threat for an early goal, a number of the home side's players had opportunities to open the scoring in the first half, including Cesc Fabregas and Pedro, but neither team could edge ahead before the half-time whistle.

Buffon had to be alert again at the start of the second half as David Silva played the ball through for Thiago, who forced a good save from the Italian keeper.

Silva continued to pose a threat for the world champions, but they continued to be frustrated as they pressed for the opening goal of the tie.

However, the hosts were able to break the deadlock when Pedro latched on to a loose ball inside the box, just squeezing his strike past Buffon, who managed to get his hand to the ball, but was unable to keep it out.

Italy almost found a quick equaliser when Andrea Pirlo played the ball down the other end before passing to Gabriel Paletta, but Alba was able to get the block in.

The visitors appealed for a penalty with 15 minutes left to play when Ciro Immobile went down after tangling with Raul Albiol, but the referee turned down their shouts.

Italy continued to push for an equaliser deep into stoppage time, winning a couple of late corners, but they were unable to get back on level terms.