Italy vs Hungary 2-1: Barella on Target as Azzurri Return to Winning Ways

International Football, Italian Football, Italy, Nations League, Serie A

Following the encouraging draw against Germany in the weekend, Italy hosted Hungary at the Stadio Dina Manuzzi in Cesena for the second matchday of the UEFA Nations League group stage. The hosts were the better side from start to finish and managed to secure three points thanks to first half goals from Nicolò Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini, even if an own goal from Gianluca Mancini made it 2-1.

Starting Lineups

Roberto Mancini once again tinkered with the personnel while maintaining the 4-3-3 shape. Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the lone automatic starter while the back-four was consisted of Davide Calabria, Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni and Leonardo Spinazzola.

Bryan Cristante acted as the anchor in the middle of the park, supported by Pellegrini and Barella. Teenage sensation Wilfried Gnonto made his full debut on the left flank while Matteo Politano took the opposite wing with Giacomo Raspadori leading the line.

On the opposite side, Marco Rossi led the Hungarians against his own countrymen and his former Sampdoria teammate Mancini. He adopted a 3-4-2-1 formation spearheaded by captain by Adam Szalai, supported by Dominik Szoboszlai and Roland Sallai.

Kickoff

After 20 minutes mostly dominated by Italy, the Azzurri had their first real chance on the Hungary goal when Mancini rose above his marker to direct a header towards goal, Denis Dibusz parried it away with an excellent reaction save.

Five minutes later, the visitors replied with a dangerous chance of their own. Loic Nego set up Sallai who unleashed a vicious low drive from the edge of the area, but Donnarumma went down to stop it. Although the defense made a mess out of the clearance, the hosts survived the swift attack.

Barella Opener

At the halftime mark, the score finally changed thanks to a fabulous strike from Barella. Spinazzola picked up the Inter midfielder on the edge of the box and the defenders gave him just enough time and space to launch a scorcher towards the top corner. The goalkeeper had a slight touch on the ball, but the power took it past him.

Mancini’s men should have doubled the lead at the 42nd minute when Raspadori’s brilliant touch put Pellegrini through on goal, but the Roma captain decided to unselfishly pass the ball towards Gnonto. However, the defenders were on the youngster before he could properly act.

Pellegrini Doubles Italy Lead

Nevertheless, Italy still managed to put a second goal past the Hungary goalkeeper just before the halftime whistle. Politano skipped past his marker on the right flank and ran towards the byline before sending the ball towards the mouth of the goal. Bizarrely, the ball escaped the crowd, only to find the unmarked Pellegrini who scored with a low but clinical shot.

Mancini Own-Goal

The second half started with more of the same, with the Italians continuing their onslaught on the opposition goal. Politano almost made it 3-0 but his shot crashed off the woodwork.

Surprisingly, it was Hungary who pulled one back thanks to an Italy own-goal. Substitute Attila Fiola delivered a cross from the right flank towards the box. Although it wasn’t particularly dangerous, Gianluca Mancini dived to clear it, but ended up directing the ball towards his own net.

First Win for Italy

Despite narrowing the score, Hungary didn’t have the energy to genuinely push for an equalizer, and it was Italy who were closer to adding more goals to their tally. Manuel Locatelli had the best chance of the final minutes after coming off the bench, but the Hungarian custodian managed to pick it up.

At the the end of the day, the Azzurri deservedly returned to winning ways, securing their first victory in this edition of the Nations League, and will now march towards England for a highly-anticipated Euro 2020 final rematch on Saturday.

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