Italy manager Luigi Di Biagio says his evolving side earned valuable experience in their 2-0 loss to Argentina in Manchester on Friday.
Italy are beginning a rebuilding phase following their failure to qualify for the World Cup and caretaker coach Di Biagio saw some positive signs.
"We suffered their passing a little, we lost our shape. We tried to go and get them, but not enough," Di Biagio said to Rai Sport after the match.
"It was a good first half, we could've done more, but let's not forget we were facing the World Cup [finalists] and this was a valuable match to gain experience.
"We made too many errors, especially in the first half, but we are trying and there is work to be done, which we already knew and isn't exactly a new development.
"This team includes many who were on their debuts, others in their third or fourth caps. It's the start of a new era."
He added: "It is a harsh result. Throughout the game, particularly in the second half, I was thinking 0-0 would be a bad result and was hoping to win.
"I saw the disappointment in the eyes of the players but we must try again.
"I like the fact that the lads tried to play. We tried to attack but we had a great team opposite us. We missed the final push to goal in the final third.''
Midfielder Marco Parolo took aim at Italy's critics after the loss, saying their expectations weren't likely to be met against the 2014 World Cup finalists.
"In the first half we had difficulties finding the right shape with a new system and new interpretation of the game," the Lazio man told Rai Sport.
"Some might've thought we were passive, but we were trying to do what the new coach asked and that was not easy. We changed a few things after the break, did better, but then didn't keep our concentration levels high enough and conceded twice on the counter.
"We have already rebooted, we're working and it's only natural we are trying to introduce young players who are impressing in Serie A.
"We've got a new coach, new ideas, new players, so if after four days of training we beat Argentina, it's more likely Argentina would need to be really worried going into the World Cup.
"We have to be realistic and show patience, otherwise Italian football will never rebuild."