At the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milano, Italy hosted England in the fifth matchday of the UEFA Nations League, which also happened to be rematch for the famous Euro 2020 final at Wembley. While the first half was forgettable, Roberto Mancini’s men looked inspired after the break and they eventually grabbed all three points thanks to Giacomo Raspadori’s solitary strike. The Azzurri now have to beat Hungary on Monday in order to secure a Semi Final spot, while the Three Lions are officially relegated to the tournament’s League B. So here are our player ratings for the San Siro contest between Italy and England.
Italy (3-5-2)
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 6.5
Despite the whistles from a section of the unforgiven Milan supporters, the custodian maintained his composure to deliver a fine display. He was a mere observer prior to Italy’s goal, but had some work to do later on, including a double save on Kane.
Rafael Toloi – 7
The Atalanta defender risked giving away a spot kick for a shove on Kane, but it was a formidable performance overall. Made some timely interceptions and kept Sterling in check.
Leonardo Bonucci – 8
The Italy captain put his Juventus woes behind him to produce a top-class display. Kept a firm hold on Kane while almost winning every personal duel against England’s stars. Moreover, provided the assist for Raspadori with his marquee long-ball.
Francesco Acerbi – 7
Perhaps he isn’t Giorgio Chiellini, but the veteran defender can be a reassuring presence on the left side of the backline. Absolutely nullified Foden’s threat.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
The Napoli captain remained close to Toloi, helping him deal with the threats of Sterling and Saka. Only darted forward on some occasions, but it was enough to cause havoc for the opposition.
Nicolò Barella – 6.5
Even though he left the pitch before Raspadori’s winner, the Inter midfielder’s work shouldn’t be undermined. He was all over the pitch during the first hour, supporting both the attack and the defense.
Jorginho – 6.5
The Chelsea playmaker is a familiar face for the Three Lions who closely man-marked him throughout the match. While it had definitely limited his on-the-ball movement, he still played a pivotal role in the team’s victory, by repeatedly dispossessing the English players while acting as a shield for the backline.
Bryan Cristante – 6.5
The Roma midfielder put up a generous performance. He was accurate if not spectacular in his passing, but couldn’t direct his shot towards goal late in the match.
Federico Dimarco – 7
A fabulous display from the Inter wingback who trotted up and down the left lane for 88 minutes before leaving the pitch to a resounding ovation form the Meazza crowd.
Gianluca Scamacca – 6.5
The West Ham bomber almost broke the deadlock early on, but his header hit the post. Also did well to set up the likes of Raspadori and Barella, but his impact diminished in the second half.
Giacomo Raspadori – 7.5
The new Napoli man combined well with his former Sassuolo striking partner, but wasted an important chance early on. Nonetheless, he more than made up for it by scoring a priceless winner from a splendid strike following a brilliant ball control.
Italy Substitutes
Wilfried Gnonto – 6.5
Another positive cameo from the teenage sensation who dons the Azzurri jersey with ease. Dribbled past his opponents and earned fouls at crucial instances.
Tommaso Pobega – 6
The Milan man replaced Barella in the second period, and although he didn’t surge forward as much as the Inter midfielder, his presence further fortified the middle of the park against English attacks.
Manolo Gabbiadini – 5.5
The Sampdoria striker was the surprise inclusion in Mancini’s callups as he made his return to Italy following a lengthy absence. Could have marked his comeback by doubling the hosts’ lead but couldn’t get his shot past Pope.
Davide Frattesi – N/A
Emerson Palmieri – N/A
117 – Leonardo #Bonucci plays tonight against #England his 117th game for #Italy, reaching Chiellini and De Rossi in 4th position of the all-time appearances ranking with the Italian team. Flag.#ItalyEngland #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/ERjINJKgua
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) September 23, 2022
England (3-4-3)
Nick Pope – 6
Truth to be told, the English goalkeeper didn’t have a clear view on Raspadori’s strike. Denied Gabbiadini by pulling off a fine save with his foot.
Kyle Walker – 5.5
The veteran right-back was a part of the back-three, but proved to be a poor fit for the centre back role by allowing Raspadori just enough space to strike the ball home.
Eric Dier – 6
Not a bad outing from the Spurs stalwart, but should have arguable lent a hand for Walker ahead of Italy’s winner.
Harry Maguire – 6
The much-maligned Man United captain didn’t look too awful on Italian soil. His physical battle with Scamacca can be considered a stalemate.
Reece James – 5.5
Aside from sponsoring an awful haircut, the Chelsea wingback was second best to Dimarco in their personal duel. His dead-ball delivery also left much to be desired.
Jude Bellingham – 5.5
The Dortmund golden boy wasn’t at his most elegant form against Italy. Sent a shot wayward late in the match. He then won an air duel against Frattesi in the final minute, but couldn’t direct his header towards goal.
Declan Rice – 6
The West Ham midfielder look composed early in the match, helping England win back possession. But didn’t add much value later on as the Azzurri had the upper hand in the middle of the park
Bukayo Saka – 4.5
The Arsenal youngster was perhaps seeking a closure for his dreadful Wembley experience against the Azzurri, but Di Lorenzo and company gave him more reasons to distress. Was nowhere to be seen.
Phil Foden – 4.5
Another young and promising Englishman who went missing. The Man City talent couldn’t find his way past Acerbi and the rest of the defensive crew.
Raheem Sterling – 4.5
The negative streak continues for the new Chelsea star who failed to impose himself for 90 minutes or so.
Harry Kane – 5.5
The captain was given limited service while his duel with Bonucci didn’t go in his favor. Tested Donnarumma with back-to-back shots from a tight angle but to no avail.
England Substitutes
Jack Graelish – 5.5
The Manchester City winger showcased some flashes of talent and caused Di Lorenzo a booking. But spent the majority of his cameo complaining to the official while looking angry and frustrated.
Luke Shaw – 5.5
Gareth Southgate was perhaps hoping for an Encore from the left-back who scored against Donnarumma during the Euro 2020 final, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
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