Italy were defeated and largely dominated by Belgium. The Azzurri are out of the Nations League despite their stunning victory over France: they finished third in the group behind France, who defeated Turkey this evening, and Belgium.
Mancini surprises with his selections, especially in attack with Koleosho and Pisilli supporting Esposito, the only confirmed striker of the three deployed against France . Another bench for the rossoblù Romano , the formation is the usual 4-3-3: Donnarumma; Kayode, Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Tonali, Fagioli; Pisilli, Esposito, Koleosho.
After a great chance each, Italy took the lead in the 12th minute with a magnificent goal from Pio Esposito . The Nerazzurri striker pounced on a low cross from Kayode at the near post and slid the ball under the crossbar: a goal worthy of a true centre-forward .
But it was only an illusion, because Belgium's reaction was vehement and, thanks to the Azzurri's shaky defense, within 11 minutes we found ourselves 3-1 down . In the 15th minute, De Cuyper closed down a scramble after a misplaced ball by De Ketelaere, a Belgium move. Ngoy scored the opener in the 22nd minute from a corner. Four minutes later, the third goal arrived: Doku scored after a solo effort, cutting through the uncertainties of Bastoni and Scalvini like a knife through butter. And at the end of the half, Bastoni himself, with a bloody error coming out, left De Bruyne one-on-one with Donnarumma. The Azzurri goalkeeper made a miraculous save, deflecting the ball onto the post.
In the second half, the Red Devils were still in control, and after missing at least three great chances, they found their fourth goal in the 80th minute. An unstoppable Doku started the move, followed by an assist from Napoli's De Bruyne for AC Milan's Diego Moreira . Late in the match, the referee awarded a penalty for handball on a shot by substitute Cisse, but Pio Esposito missed it—just like his brother Sebastiano against France—and the score remained 4-1.
(Unioneonline/L)