Italy prevails over Belgium and places third at UEFA Nations League

Italy beats Lukaku less Belgium 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League. Goals from Nicolo Barella and Domenico Berardi sees Italy on the 3rd place.

After both teams failing to reach the finals in UEFA Nations League, they are once again going head to head after their contest in EURO 2020, the Belgian Red Devils are without their forward Romelu Lukakua due to muscle fatigue and Italy who’s unbeaten streak of 37 games was ended against Spain are also missing their key pieces like their star scorer Ciro is injured and is the duo of Matteo and Rafael and Leonardo Spinazzola and Italy also lost their defensive stalwart Leonardo Bonucci who was sent off in the first half for two bookable offenses.

With both teams not at their full strength, 1st half ended with a draw with no real action from both the teams, no real chances were created during the whole half except when, Batshuayi, who passes to Saelemaekers, then crashes the ball against the top right crossbar. Juventus forward Chiesa had the best chance of the game at the 45th-minute mark, Berardi lobbed the ball up ahead to Chiesa and missed a one vs one against Courtois.

Advertisement

After little to no action in the first half, Italy strikes first, the Azzurri’s were rewarded with a corner which was headed out by Belgium but the ball came straight to Barrlea who was able to perfectly connect with the volley and Courtois had no chance to stop it. Kieser got fouled by Castagne inside the box and was awarded the penalty at 62nd minute and was barely able to pass through Belgium keeper as it was deflected but Berardi was still able to score and put Italy up by 2-0.

Even after so many tries, Belgium hit the pole twice in 2nd half. Finally, they were able to find the net at 87th minute, Courtois quick throw-in to Kevin de Bruyne, who assisted Ketelaere, who beat Donarruma to bring his national team closer by 2-1 but it was not enough to win against giant Italy.