Giacomo Raspodori and Federico Dimarco’s goals helped Italy book a spot in the UEFA Nations League finals, ousting Hungary in Budapest.
Hungary’s terrific Nations League campaign has ended in disappointment after Italy proved their mettle in Budapest. The hosts only needed a draw or a win to keep their top spot in the table intact, although the Italians were just two points behind them.
This clash at the Puskas Arena was decisive as only one of the teams would have booked a place in next summer’s UEFA Nations League finals. Italy proved too much for Hungary’s resistance as goals from Giacomo Raspadori, and Federico Dimarco secured three points and a top spot for Roberto Mancini’s men.
After a competitive start to the match, Hungary applied pressure early on, although the Italians took the initiative with a lucky lead. Wilfried Gnonto seized a backpass intended for the Hungarian keeper, which fell invitingly at the feet of Giacomo Raspadori, who did not make any mistake hitting the empty net.
Hungary flew out of the blocks early in the game, forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into top saves. Soon, Dimarco rewarded his goalkeeper’s efforts by slotting in the second from Bryan Cristante’s low cross. Mancini’s men held firm for the rest of the game and saw through the victory.
?? Raspadori and Dimarco send Italy to the #NationsLeague finals! ? pic.twitter.com/NnZxt4Sas9
— UEFA Nations League (@EURO2024) September 26, 2022
Gianluigi Donnarumma: 7/10
Donnarumma continued his impressive form at the international stage by pulling off some good saves to keep Italy in the lead against Hungary. The goalkeeper needs many improvements concerning decision-making and distribution, but he should iron those issues out.
Rafael Toloi: 6/10
After a terrific game last week, Toloi was solid at the back, if not spectacular. He maintained his level throughout the match and made no mistakes while keeping a strong line alongside Leanardo Bonucci.
Leonardo Bonucci: 6/10
Bonucci led by example at the back and ensured Italy kept a clean sheet at the end of the match. His presence and understanding with Toloi and Acerbi ensured they remained tight in defence and kept Adam Szalai silent.
Francesco Acerbi: 6/10
Acerbi was having a good game overall until he was booked. Surprisingly, Mancini decided to hook him off at half-time, and it felt needless.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo: 7/10
Di Lorenzo once again proved why he is one of Mancini’s most important players in the current setup. The Napoli skipper put in a confident display, making his presence felt from the first minute to the last.
Nicolo Barella: 7/10
Barella ran the show in midfield and proved his mettle in the absence of Tonali from the side. He was instrumental in the build-up to the second goal after his pass found Cristante to set up Dimarco.
Jorginho: 5/10
Jorginho’s recent dip in form was visible again, as the Chelsea vice-captain put in an underwhelming display. There was enough evidence of hard work, but the overall performance lacked the required quality expected of the midfielder.
Bryan Cristante: 7/10
Apart from setting up Dimarco’s goal in the second half to kill the game, Cristante was crucial to how Italy moved about in the final third. He, too, is becoming a solid player for Mancini.
Federico Dimarco: 7.5/10
1500 – Thanks to Federico Dimarco, Italy have now scored 1500 goals in their history (including awarded games). Tile.#UngheriaItalia pic.twitter.com/ElRyuKW1yR
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) September 26, 2022
Dimarco has been growing in confidence this season and continued his outings with Italy with another impressive performance. He was a problem for Hungary and got his goal in the second half, effectively killing the game.
Wilfried Gnonto: 6/10
Gnonto has started his life in national colours relatively well, but he still needs some polishing before becoming a mainstay for Italy. He was instrumental in creating the first goal out of nothing and should be a feature in this team for some time.
Giacomo Raspadori: 7/10
Raspadori continued his goalscoring form for Italy as he got another in this round of internationals. The strike against Hungary may be considered lucky for the forward, but he was clinical in finishing the chance, which came against the run of play as Hungary looked threatening.
2 – Giacomo Raspadori is the second player born since 1/1/2000 to score a goal in two consecutive appearances for Italy, after Moise Kean. Youth.#UngheriaItalia pic.twitter.com/RTVYVioWNn
— OptaPaolo ? (@OptaPaolo) September 26, 2022
SUBSTITUTES
Alessandro Bastoni: 6/10
Bastoni came on for Acerbi at half-time and was strong at the back.
Manolo Gabbiadini: 5/10
A good outing for Gabbiadini, who came on when Italy were no longer looking to add more goals.
Gianluca Scamacca: 5/10
Scamacca had an uneventful cameo, as he barely saw the ball since coming.
Tommaso Pobega: N/A
Pobega did a decent job after coming on but nothing worthy enough to get a rating.
Pasquale Mazzocchi: N/A
Did not play enough to get a rating.
