DBasia.news – The Italian national team successfully defeated Belgium to take third place in the 2021 UEFA Nations League. This match became the stage for the Gli Azzurri back-up players to show off.
In the match that took place at the Allianz Stadium, Sunday (10/10), Italy won with a score of 2-1. This result became entertainment for Roberto Mancini’s squad who appeared in front of the public themselves.
Nicolo Barella opened Italy’s victory through his goal early in the second half. The Inter Milan midfielder fired a hard and accurate first time shot.
Domenico Berardi then doubled Italy’s advantage in the 65th minute through the penalty spot. A penalty was awarded after Federico Chiesa was violated in the forbidden box.
Belgium could only reduce the position four minutes before normal time ended. Charles De Ketelaere beat Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.
Mancini welcomed this victory with enthusiasm. He praised the back-up players who were given the opportunity to appear.
“Our performance was very good. We had a lot of solutions and quality in midfield and all the players did well,” said Mancini after the game.
“Today we changed a few players and even so the team played just as well.”
Mancini bravely fielded Francesco Acerbi and Alessandro Bastoni as a central defender duo. He rested Giorgio Chiellini who just sat on the bench until the game was over.
While in attack, Lorenzo Insigne only appeared in the second half. Mancini gave Giacomo Raspadori and Lorenzo Pellegrini the opportunity to start the match.
“We can try different solutions. Today Raspadori played well and he will have a bright future,” he added.
“The important thing is that the team continues to play well because we will face Switzerland (in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers). It will be a tough match.”