Italy beat England to claim the second spot

Italy beat England to keep their Nations League hopes alive as they move to the second position. The Three Lions are relegated after the loss and will play in League B from next year. While Italy still have a chance to go further if they get the top spot by the end of the group stages. Mancini made several changes to the lineup and presented a young team with Bonucci as the captain at the back.

Both the teams had a back three formation as Mancini decided to give Toloi a start ahead of Bastoni. Dimarco started at the wing-back position, with Barella as the midfielder and Acerbi at the center of the back three. England were not looking to press, and Italy had time and space to build up. England slowly got back in the game and created some chances later in the half, but did not trouble Donnarumma.

Italy beat England as the Three Lions get relegated

The Azzurri looked sharp in the second half and were pressing from the front. They forced England to play long balls, which did not help them in building any attacks. In the 56th minute, Italy had the chance to open the scoring as Dimarco played a brilliant ball in the box. His teammate Nicolo Barella made the run to meet the ball but could not keep it on target.

Italy finally scored the goal in the 68th minute through Raspadori. The Azzurri captain played a long ball in the box, and Raspadori brought it down wonderfully. The Italian forward then had his composure to beat Eric Dier and place his shot in the far corner to give Italy the lead.

England looked better after the substitutions and had a great chance to lead. The England captain fired a shot as he had time and space, but Donnarumma managed to push it away. The ball went to Kane again, and he could not place his shot this time. Italy managed to defend their lead for the remaining time, and are still alive in the competition.

Mangalam Pugalia: Mangalam is a football nerd who contributes as a match analyst at THE INTER WAY. He admires Antonio Conte’s system and can predict what the Nerazzurri manager will do next.
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