Away from the noise and warmth of Doha, Austria and Italy clashed heads on a cold night in Vienna. The anticlimactic friendly piled more misery on the Azzurri who sustained a defeat after starting with an unbalanced 3-4-3 formation. Xaver Schlager broke the deadlock after outmuscling Marco Verratti off the ball, and David Alaba smashed home a super freekick. Roberto Mancini’s halftime substitutions improved the general performance, but the score-line remained the same. So here are our player ratings for Italy who succumbed to a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Austria.
Italy (3-4-3)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6
The PSG custodian almost pulled off a heroic save on Schlager’s shot, but the power put it past him. Perhaps he could have done slightly better on Alaba’s freekick. But he did well to save a dangerous shot form Marcel Sabitzer.
Federico Gatti – 4.5
The 24-year-old defender had a torrid time against Bologna star Marko Arnautovic, failing to cope with the veteran’s slick movement.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6
The Italy captain was the pick of a disappointing defensive bunch. Made some decent interceptions while his distribution was hit-and-miss.
Francesco Acerbi – 5.5
The Inter veteran was caught out of position at times and his interventions were far from smooth. His outing improved in the second half, but the damage had already been done.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 5
A forgettable night for the wingback who offered little to none when going forward and didn’t look solid at the back. Gave Austria a major chance with a clumsy back-pass.
Nicolò Barella – 5.5
The Inter midfielder ran his socks off, but suffered from the lack of teammates in the middle of the park. He simply had too many tasks to do.
Marco Verratti – 6
The Pescara native was the main culprit on the opening goal after getting outmuscled and dispossessed, but in his defense, most officials would have granted him a foul. Also to his credit, he regained his composure and orchestrated the play in the second half.
Federico Dimarco – 6.5
With his dangerous runs from the left lane and his impeccable crosses, the Inter man is surely cementing himself as a pillar for both club and country. However, his effect dwindled by the end of the match.
Matteo Politano – 5.5
The Napoli winger was behind Italy’s solitary chance in the first half. But it surely wasn’t his most impressive outing.
Giacomo Raspadori – 5.5
The former Sassuolo striker was isolated between Austria’s big defenders. Tried to connect with his teammates and dropped back at times, but the lack of service was plain to see.
Vincenzo Griffo – 5
Following his impressive display against Albania, the Bundesliga star couldn’t replicate his exploits. But he’ll surely have other chances with Italy.
Substitutes
Giorgio Scalvini – 6
The Atalanta teenager was a noticeable upgrade on both Gatti and Di Lorenzo while operating at right-back.
Nicolò Zaniolo – 6.5
The Roma man added the missing flair in the final third, but still lacked a marquee moment.
Federico Chiesa – 6
Similarly to Zaniolo, the returning winger immediately lifted the tempo for Italy, but his final touch still lacks some sharpness.
Matteo Pessina – 5
The Monza midfielder likes to operate between the lines, but the Austrians adopted a tight approach at the back, giving him no space at all. A forgettable cameo.
Wilfried Gnonto – 5.5
The Leeds United sensation can be devastating when running at defenders, but could do little against the static Austrian backline.
Fabio Miretti – N/A
The Juventus midfielder made his senior debut for Italy, and did well to track back and deny a third Austrian goal.
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