ROME, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Gonzalo Higuain scored one and set up the other as he inspired Argentina to a 2-1 win over hosts Italy at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday.

The Napoli new signing put the visitors 1-0 ahead in the 20th minute as he picked up a terric pass from Erik Lamela who intercepted a misplaced pass from Italy central defender Deniele De Rossi and launched the lethal attack.

Lamela was surprisingly withdrawn at half-time to be replaced by Banega, but the decision was immediately justified with the substitute doubling the advantage in the 49th minute.

Higuain picked up the ball on the left-hand side of the box and laid into the path of the on-rushing Banega, who took one touch before striking firmly across Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon into the left-hand corner.

Lorenzo Insigne grabbed a consolation for Italy with a terrific curling effort with 15 minutes remaining, but the home side could not find an equaliser.

Bothe Lionel Messi and Mario Balotelli missed this match through injuries.