MY ACCOUNT
Italy and Germany played out a 1-1 draw in their Nations League Group A3 opener in Bologna on Saturday.
Roberto Mancini’s side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Argentina in Wednesday’s Finalissima – a meeting between the European champions and Copa America winners – but they were much improved at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
The Azzurri, who hit the post in the first half through Gianluca Scamacca, went ahead in the 70th minute courtesy of Lorenzo Pellegrini’s fourth international goal.
However, Germany levelled soon after as Joshua Kimmich stole in to snatch a point for Hansi Flick’s men.
Germany had been comfortably the better side in the early stages, with Serge Gnabry forcing Gianluigi Donnarumma into a smart stop from a tight angle in the 15th minute.
Thomas Muller saw a powerful strike superbly blocked by Alessandro Florenzi shortly before the half-hour mark, while at the other end Scamacca struck the base of Manuel Neuer’s right-hand post with an effort from distance.
Scamacca headed wide from a promising position soon after the restart, before Matteo Politano had an effort deflected narrowly wide.
Then 18-year-old debutant Wilfried Gnonto had an almost immediate impact after being introduced in the 65th minute, whipping in a wonderful cross from the right that Pellegrini steered in from close range.
Italy’s lead lasted just three minutes, though, as Kimmich clipped home from 10 yards to ensure the spoils were shared.
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Mancini vowed to start a new era after Italy’s shock failure to qualify for Qatar 2022, and this was certainly an improved display from his side.
The Azzurri boss will be frustrated that his players threw away their hard-fought lead within minutes, but there were enough signs here that his team have shrugged off their World Cup disappointment and are up to the task of restoring Italy to the top table of world football.
Gnonto shines on debut
Gnonto is the first player born after January 1, 2003 to play for Italy, and he did not look out of the place on the international stage, the FC Zurich forward creating his side’s goal with a fine right-wing cross.
Muller off the pace
Muller’s 113th appearance moved him level with Philipp Lahm in fifth place on Germany’s all-time appearances list, but the Bayern Munich man endured a quiet game.
He attempted just one shot and had a pass completion rate of 76.5 per cent (the lowest of any Germany starter) before he was hauled off for Kai Havertz in the 70th minute.
What’s next?
Both sides are in action again on Tuesday, with Italy hosting Hungary and Germany taking on England at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
