At the Renzo Barbera Stadium in Palermo, the Italian national team hosted North Macedonia in the Semi Finals of the European World Cup qualifiers. Roberto Mancini’s men dominated the action from start to finish, but lacked sharpness in front of goal. At the end of the day, Aleksandar Trajkovski (a former Palermo striker) snatched the win for the Balkans with a shocking added-time winner on his old turf, spelling the end of the Azzurri’s World Cup hopes, as the nation misses out on the grand carnival for the second time in a row. So here are our player ratings for Italy following their devastating defeat at the hands of North Macedonia.
Italy XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 5.5
The PSG custodian had very little to do besides making a routine save late in the first half, and picking up the ball from his net following the winner. Can’t be faulted for the goal though.
Alessandro Florenzi – 6
The experienced wingback made a vital interception to deny the Macedonian striker a one-on-one chance in the first half. Worked hard but provided little help upfront.
Gianluca Mancini – 6
The Roma defender adopted a no-nonsense approach and dealt well with the opposition. However, he almost cost Italy a goal when he lost the ball while being the last man, but was luckily saved by Florenzi. Left the pitch minutes before the winner.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6
The Inter center back was much more adventurous than his partner at the back, and even surged forward to assist on some occasions.
Emerson Palmieri – 6.5
A decent performance from the Lyon left-back who created two dangerous chances for Verratti and Pellegrini while galloping the flank.
Nicolò Barella – 5.5
The Inter midfielder was mostly wasteful when on the ball, and made some mess in his linkups with Berardi.
Jorginho – 6
The Chelsea Regista sat deep in front of the defense and helped in the dirty work, but took very few risks while on the ball.
Marco Verratti – 7.5
A brilliant performance from arguably the best Italian player of the current generation. Danced around the Macedonians with his breathtaking dribbles, played some sublime passes that were wasted by his teammates and repeatedly won the ball back in the middle of the park. Here’s a man who deserved to play in the World Cup.
Domenico Berardi – 5.5
It’s hard to rate the performance for the Sassuolo winger. On one hand, he was one of the most dangerous players for Italy, but on the other, he repeatedly wasted chances.
Ciro Immobile – 4.5
The Lazio legend once again proved his inability to lead the frontline for the Azzurri. His clinical touch abandoned him and his runs were completely fruitless.
Lorenzo Insigne – 5
The Napoli captain had his moments, but they were too few and far between. He mostly failed to lit up the left flank.
Substitutes
Giacomo Raspadori – 6
The young striker added some much-needed energy to the final third, and rattled the woodwork with a fine shot.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 5.5
The Roma captain scuffed a chance in front of goal that could have sealed the win.
Sandro Tonali – 5.5
Saw little of the ball after coming in late in the second half.
Giorgio Chiellini – N/A
Awkwardly played as a right center back. Couldn’t prevent the goal on what could well be his Italy swansong.
Joao Pedro – N/A
A miserable debut for the newest Oriundo.