At the Puskas Arena Park in Budapest, Hungary hosted Italy in the final and decisive group stage round of the UEFA Nations League A. The home side only needed a draw to preserve their lead in a group that that also included Germany and England. Nonetheless, the Azzurri booked their spot in the semi-final of the tournament with a 2-0 victory courtesy of Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Dimarco. So here our player ratings for the Italy stars following their solid performance in Hungary.
Italy (3-5-2)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7
The PSG custodian once again proved why he’s considered among the best goalkeepers in the world. He made a string of exceptional saves, including one where he charged across his goal. Nonetheless, decision-making and ill-advised exits remain his Achilles Heel, but was lucky not to be punished for it on this occasion.
Rafael Toloi – 6.5
A solid if unspectacular display from the Oriundo. Helped Bonucci in maintaining a solid backline and committed very few mistakes.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5
The Italy captain managed to limit the threat of the gigantic Adam Szalai who was having his Hungary swansong. He remains a vital part for the national team.
Francesco Acerbi – 6
The new Inter defender was having a decent outing, but earned a booking for a needless challenge on Loic Nego late in the first half which promoted his exit at halftime.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
A wonderful display from the Napoli captain who has become one of the backbones of Mancini’s Italy. Darted forward from start to finish, while also making a crucial block to preserve his team’s clean sheet.
Nicolò Barella – 7
The Inter midfielder ran all over the pitch for 90 minutes and then some more. Instigated the second goal with a clever pass for Cristante.
Jorginho – 5.5
The Chelsea veteran isn’t enjoying his best football at the moment, and it showed yet again. A hard working display, but it lacked his renowned quality touch.
Bryan Cristante – 7
A fabulous outing from the Roma man who’s importance for the Azzurri is blossoming with every new outing. Provided a sublime assist for Dimarco’s goal, and bossed the middle of the park.
Federico Dimarco – 7.5
What a brilliant display from the Nerazzurri wingback! Simply a thorn in the back of the Hungarians. Trotted forward on countless occasions while raining shots and crosses all over the opposition’s box. Sealed the win with a well-taken goal.
Wilfried Gnonto – 6.5
The teenage sensation is becoming a regular starter for Italy at the age of 18, and deservedly so. Pounced on a poor back-pass to steal the ball which culminated in Raspadori’s winner. Came close to scoring himself.
Giacomo Raspadori – 7
The Napoli striker scored his second goal in three days to open his team’s path towards the semis. It was a relatively easy finish, but his performance was vibrant overall.
Italy Substitutes
Alessandro Bastoni – 6
The young defender replaced Acerbi right after halftime, and was lucky to get away with a slight yet dangerous push on Martin Adam’s back inside his own penalty box.
Manolo Gabbiadini – 5.5
The Sampdoria striker entered the pitch at a time when Italy were no longer pushing for additional goals, so he spent his cameo chasing after Hungarian plays.
Gianluca Scamacca – 5.5
The Hammers bomber didn’t see much of the ball. Could have pounced on the rebound to score the third but scuffed his shot into the side netting.
Tommaso Pobega – 6
The Rossoneri man entered the pitch to do the dirty work in the middle of the park, and didn’t add more than the required.
Pasquale Mazzocchi – N/A
Roberto Mancini handed the Salernitana wingback his Italy debut in the final minutes of the match.
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