Hungary vs Italy Player Ratings: Azzurri Book Semi-Final Spot

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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