Sergio Ramos scored a second-half penalty to help Spain beat a spirited Norway 2-1 in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier, while teenage striker Moise Kean netted in Italy's win over Finland.
Spain were not at their clinical best in Valencia, but got their Group F campaign off to a solid start despite Norway threatening an upset.
The 2010 World Cup winners have been unpredictable of late, having been dumped out by Russia in the last 16 of the World Cup and then missing out on the Nations League finals after a home loss to England.
"The team responded well to their equaliser. You always have the dream and aim of achieving something important," Ramos told Spanish television channel TVE.
"We're in a new stage with a coach who has a fantastic style of play. We'll take things game by game. We'll pick up more confidence from winning."
"There are many goals ahead of me and my aim is to achieve them. I wanted to show that I deserved this chance from Mancini."