In the third matchday of the UEFA Nations League group stage, Italy hosted Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Andrea Cambiaso put the Azzurri ahead after two minutes, while Mateo Retegui confirmed their dominance with another strike. However, the hosts’ brilliant work was undone by Lorenzo Pellegrini who got himself sent off for a tackle from behind late in the first half. The Red Devils were able to score twice through Maxim De Cuyper and Leandro Trossard, but couldn’t find the winner. So here are our player ratings for Italy who managed to escape with a 2-2 draw against Belgium despite their numerical disadvantage.
Italy (3-4-2-1)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 5.5
The Italy captain could do nothing about Belgium’s first goal which was pitted in the bottom corner, but was hesitant on the second, which allowed Trossard just enough space to beat him at the near post.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 6.5
After committing a series of blunders in his recent international caps, the Napoli captain bounced back with a solid display at the back. Pulled off a series of timely interceptions.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
The Inter stalwart followed Lois Openda all over the pitch and managed to dispossess him on several occasions, but was lucky to be acquitted by the VAR on a dubious challenge inside the box.
Riccardo Calafiori – 6
The Arsenal man started on a positive note and had several forays, but had to settle behind following the red card. His movement didn’t help Donnarumma’s case on the second goal.
Andrea Cambiaso – 7.5
A superb showing from the Juventus wingback who scored with a scrappy finish but deserves the credit for timing his run to perfection. His clever strike also led to Retegui’s second. He was also impeccable in his defensive duties.
Samuele Ricci – 6
The Torino man orchestrated the play early on but then had some nervy moments around the Italy box.
Sandro Tonali – 6.5
The Newcastle star gave his all and was all over the pitch. Instigated the play that led to Italy’s second goal and was always willing to do the dirty work.
Federico Dimarco – 7.5
A stunning showing from the Inter wingback who created both goals with jaw-dropping passes that sliced the Belgian defenses open. Left his place on the pitch to Udogie after running out of steam.
Davide Frattesi – 6
An energetic display from the 25-year-old as ever, but lacked the finishing touch this time.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 4
The Roma captain was having a solid evening on his own turf but squandered it all with a needless challenge on Arthur Theate who wasn’t even in a dangerous area. He thus emerges as the ultimate culprit.
Mateo Retegui – 7.5
The Atalanta star is simply a goal machine. Played an instrumental role in the buildup for the first goal before pouncing on the rebound to score his team’s second. He was also very generous in his efforts, helping at the back when Italy were reduced to ten men.
Substitutes
Destiny Udogie – 6
The Spurs left-back was Spalletti’s answer to the introduction of Dodi Lukebakio. Did well keep the tricky Sevilla winger at bay.
Nicolò Fagioli – 6
The Juventus man saw little of the ball as Italy was defending at that point, but produced an important clearance with his head.
Nicolò Pisilli – N/A
Giacomo Raspadori – N/A
Raoul Bellanova – N/A
 |
Follow us on Google News for more updates on Serie A and Italian football |