GRAZIANO Pelle maintained his goalscoring start to the new season for his country last night.

The Saints striker scored the only goal midway through the second half as Italy moved to the top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group H thanks to a 1-0 victory over Malta in Florence.

Pelle’s winner enabled Italy to move above Croatia at the top of their pool and edge closer to booking their ticket to France next summer.

Italy had to wait until the 69th minute when Antonio Candreva's cross was turned in from close range by Pelle, who appeared to know little about it as the ball went in off his hip.

It was Pelle’s third goal in just five senior appearances for his country.

He scored the only goal against Malta on his debut last autumn, and also netted in a 1-1 draw against England in March.

Pelle has already scored four times in eight appearances for Saints this season.