For the second tournament in a row, Italy punched its ticket to the UEFA Nations League Finals. A masterclass of a goalkeeping performance from Gianluigi Donnarumma kept the hosts at bay as Italy did just enough on the other side, 2-0.
Statistically speaking, Hungary outscored Italy, just as they did Germany and England in their previous two contests. Hungary collected more than half of the possession in the game and fired 13 shots at Donnarumma’s goal. Six of them forced a save from the PSG goalkeeper, but he was up to them all. That included a series of saves in quick succession as Hungary looked for an equaliser.
At the other end of the pitch, Giacomo Raspadori scored his second successive UEFA Nations League game-winner with the opening goal. He also scored the only goal of the match against England on matchday five. To add security, Inter’s Federico Dimarco scored Italy’s second to secure their place in the UEFA Nations League Finals.
Italy in the UEFA Nations League final
The Italians join the Netherlands and Croatia as the teams qualified for the second stage of the UEFA Nations League this season. This is a familiar place for Italy, having won third place in the 2021 Nations League Finals.
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— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) September 26, 2022
The Netherlands is also a team that has come so far in the past. The Dutch lost to Portugal in the inaugural Nations League final in 2019. However, this chance for redemption comes at home, probably in Amsterdam. However, official confirmation on hosting duties is yet to be determined.
Italy hosted last year and is coming off a Euro 2020 triumph in search of more hardware outside of Europe, regardless of World Cup qualifying struggles.
consolation for hungary
As Italy celebrates its bid for the UEFA Nations League finals, it is heartbreak for Hungary. The Hungarians entered a group with three teams in the top 11 of the FIFA world rankings in June 2022. Two of those teams met in the Euro 2020 final the previous summer.
Despite that, Hungary recorded two wins against England, as well as a win and a draw against Germany. The only thing the Hungarians could do was Italy, who dealt two key blows.
Italy begin their quest for the UEFA Nations League Finals in the summer of 2023.
PHOTO: IMAGO / LaPresse
