A new era for 2010 world champions Spain began on a low note following defeat to France in a friendly international while Antonio Conte’s first game as Italy boss ended with a good win over 2014 World Cup finalists Netherlands.
Spain endured a torrid 2014 World Cup campaign and sought a fresh start against France in a new look team devoid of saw Xavi and Xabi Alonso as well as striker David Villa, all of whom retired from international football after the World Cup.
Vincent del Bosque’s side however were second best on the night, failing to get a shot in target while France created the better chances, with Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema having a goal ruled out.
Benzema however had a hand in the winning goal when he combined with Mathieu Valbuena to set up new Chelsea striker Löic Remy who scored the only goal of the night in the 73rd minute.
The result condemned Spain to a third defeat in their last four matches ahead of the start of qualifying matches for the 2016 European Championship to be held in France.
Elsewhere, goals in the opening 10 minutes from Ciro Immobile and Danielle de Rossi saw Italy beat Netherlands 2-0 in the first game for Antonio Conte and Guus Hiddink as coach of either team.
Borussia Dortmund striker Immobile put the Azzurri in front after just three minutes, running on to a long pass from Leonardo Bonucci and going round Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen to score.
The Dutch side went 2-0 down and a man down as well seven minutes later when De Rossi converted a penalty conceded by Bruno Martins Indi, resulting in the FC Porto defender getting sent off.
In other matches, Zlatan Ibrahimovic became Sweden’s all-time leading goalscorer with 50 goals when his brace gave Sweden a 2-0 win over Estonia while Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic kept up his rich vein of form with both goals in Croatia’s 2-0 win over Cyprus.
Vedad Ibisevic also scored twice for Bosnia-Herzegovina, the first coming after 48 seconds of the 3-0 win over Liechtenstein, with Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko scoring the third midway through the first half.
2014 World Cup quarterfinalists Belgium got a 2-0 win over Australia, Belarus cruised to a 6-1 demolition of 10-man Tajikistan while China beat Kuwait 3-1 and Peru won 2-0 at Iraq.