Birmingham City forward Carney’s penalty on the stroke of half-time and Duggan’s assured finish gave head coach Mark Sampson the first victory of his nascent tenure.

It was an emphatic display from England with Steph Houghton, captain Fara Williams, Ellen White and Karen Carney all going close in the early stages.

The breakthrough arrived when Giulia Domenichetti brought down Duggan inside the box and Carney made no mistake from the penalty spot.

Siobhan Chamberlain dealt with Ilaria Mauro’s header and Elisa Camporese’s cross-shot as the Italians rallied but Duggan dashed any hopes of an equaliser with a powerful run and finish to double the advantage.

England are next in action against Finland on Friday.

Meanwhile, Scotland’s women produced a sterling effort as they forced France to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw in Larnaca.

Leanne Ross put Anna Signeul’s side ahead early on and it took a spectacular own goal from Jenny Beattie to earn the French – who are fifth in the FIFA rankings – an opening point.

Canada beat Finland 3-0 in the other match in England’s group, while the Netherlands and Australia drew 2-2 in Scotland’s group.