In the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the Azzurri were hosted by Lithuania. Although it was far from being their best performance, Roberto Mancini’s men sealed their third straight victory in the competition, all in the same 2-0 result. Stefano Sensi opened the scoring right after the break, and Ciro Immobile added the second from the spot in the final minute of the match. So here are our player ratings for Italy after their victory against Lithuania.
Italy XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 5.5
The Milan man closed his near post to pull off a save in the second half, but could have costed his team with two nervous moments on the ball.
Rafael Toloi – 6
A solid if unspectacular display from the the Azzurri’s newest Oriundi. The Italo-Brazilian looked composed at the back but didn’t do much to support the attacks.
Gianluca Mancini – 6.5
The Roma defender was untroubled at the heart of the defense, and made some impressive interceptions.
Alessandro Bastoni – 6.5
The young Inter center back took some hard knocks in Lithuania, but proved why he is considered as one of the best rising defenders in Italy with a strong showing.
Emerson Palmieri – 6.5
The Chelsea left back almost found the back of the net with a long-range effort, and was a threatening presence for the opposition on the flank.
Matteo Pessina – 6
An encouraging outing from the Atalanta midfielder who undoubtedly possesses some exciting skills.
Manuel Locatelli – 7
The Sassuolo man has recently become a key member within Mancini’s tactical system. Controlled the middle of the pitch, provided the assist for Sensi and could have scored one or two himself.
Lorenzo Pellegrini – 5.5
The Roman captain hasn’t been at his best during this international break. Got booked during the first half and was taken out at the break.
Federico Bernardeschi – 6
The versatile Juventus man tried his luck on the right wing but failed to add a lethal touch despite showcasing some brilliant flashes of skills at times.
Ciro Immobile – 6
The Lazio striker scored a penalty in the last kick of the match, and yet, was seen shaking his head when leaving the pitch, as he had previously wasted at least three or four golden opportunities.
Stephan El Shaarawy – 5.5
The winger was eager to mark his return to the starting lineup with a goal, but he couldn’t break the deadlock with any of his five attempted shots, and ended up being subbed out at half time.
Italy Substitutes
Stefano Sensi – 7
The Nerazzurri midfielder immediately scored with a well-taken shot after coming off the bench at the interval. Spreaded the ball well in midfield and laid a beautiful pass towards Immobile.
Federico Chiesa – 5.5
An energetic performance from the former Fiorentina man, but eventually didn’t add much on El Shaarawy.
Leonardo Spinazzola – 6.5
As always, the left back’s presence lightened up the left flank.
Nicolò Barella – 6
A decent display from the Inter man who won the penalty kick which led to the second goal.
Francesco Acerbi -N/A
25 – Italy have lost none of their last 25 games under Roberto Mancini (W20 D5), equalling their second longest unbeaten streak ever achieved under Marcello Lippi between 2004-2006; only Vittorio Pozzo has recorded a better such run (30, 1935-1939). Bulwark.#LituaniaItalia pic.twitter.com/fVfPnz4FHI
— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) March 31, 2021