EUROPEAN giants Italy and Germany both failed to make a perfect start to this season’s UEFA Nations League.
Lorenzo Pellergini’s 70th minute effort was cancelled out by Joshua Kimmich’s strike two minutes later.
Forcing the nations to share the spoils in Bologna – which shockingly means that Hungary currently top the group having beaten England earlier on in the day.
- RESULT: Italy 1-1 Germany
- TV/Live stream: Premier Sports 1
- Italy XI: Donnarumma; Florenzi, Acerbi, Bastoni, Biraghi; Frattesi, Cristante, Tonali; Politano, Scamacca, Pellegrini
- Germany XI: Neuer; Kehrer, Rudiger, Sule, Henrichs; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Muller, Sane; Werner
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A word on Gnonto
Wilfried Gnonto may have been somewhat of an unknown quantity when he was subbed on for Italy today.
However, the 18-year-old’s confidence on the ball created Italy’s goal in the second half, which they weren’t quite able to hold on to.
The FC Zurich man may have earnt his way into Roberto Mancini’s plans with that cameo.
All eyes on June 7
Germany may be disappointed with the draw today, but they wont have to wait long to look to get their campaign up and running.
Hansi Flick’s side will host bottom-placed England on Tuesday, who will be looking to bounce back themselves.
Italy also host Hungary on Tuesday, who will be looking to pick up where they left off at the Puskas Arena.
How is Group A3 looking?
With the full-time whistle in Bologna, we are properly underway in Group A3.
England sit outright bottom of the group, with their conquerors Hungary topping the pack.
Germany and Italy’s draw sees them both within a win of topping the group themselves.
Man of the match
Joshua Kimmich was the star man today, culminating his presence on the ball and ability to win the ball back with his equalising goal in the second half.
Only a point for Hansi Flick
Germany were definitely the stronger side on paper for this one, but Italy looked more than comfortable, particularly in the second half.
Roberto Mancini will take real encouragement as they look ahead to their fixture against Hungary next week.
Pain for Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma is in a lot of pain a the final whistle, with his wrist or hand causing real discomfort.
Full-time!
Roberto Mancini will be more than happy with a point after making ten changes from the Argentina game in the week.
A host of debutants did their bit as they secure a point in the opening match of these sides’ Nations League.
Italy 1-1 Germany
94. Now it’s Germany’s turn to win a late corner.
Italy 1-1 Germany
93. The delivery is really inviting, Cristante throws himself at it but it’s blocked for a corner.
Italy 1-1 Germany
91. Italy have a free kick a minute into four added on.
Italy 1-1 Germany
88. Dimarco wins the ball but gets a rush of blood and shoots from a long way out, ending up no where near,
Italy 1-1 Germany
85. Five minutes to go and Italy make their last changes,
Scamacca and Fratessi are replaced by Cancellieri and Ricci.
Italy 1-1 Germany
83. Havertz is the latest name into the book, as he’s late on Pellegrini.
Italy 1-1 Germany
80. Donarumma is called into action again, as he reacts well to deny a deflected Kimmich effort.
Tonali and Biraghi replaced by Pobega and Dimarco, while Raum is introduced for Gnabry.
Italy 1-1 Germany
79. Good work from Havertz invites Gundogan to have a go, but his stinging drive is held by Donnarumma.
Italy 1-1 Germany
75. There was a VAR check for a handball from Werner for that Germany goal. It hits his elbow but it was right into his body, so is adjudged to be fine.
A cooling break now with 15 minutes to go.
Italy 1-1 Germany
Another substitute makes the difference!
73. Hoffman digs a cross towards Wermer. with it eventually falling to Kimmich who smashes home from close range!
GOAL! Kimmich fires straight back!
73. Some response from the Germans!
Italy 1-0 Germany
71. No fear from the 18-year-old, as he runs at Kehrer down the right and powers a glorious cross across the face of goal, which Pellegrini can tap home from close range!
GOAL! Pellegrini strikes!
71. Fantastic work from the debutant Gnonto!
Italy 0-0 Germany
70. Two changes for Germany, Havertz and Gundogan replace Muller and Goretzka.
Italy 0-0 Germany
69. Musiala has a great chance down the left, but he completely scuffs the effort and Donnarumma can claim easily.
Italy 0-0 Germany
66. Italy make their first change, as Politano limps off to e replaced by Gnonto.
An international debut for the 18-year-old.
Italy 0-0 Germany
61. Tempers flare a little after a foul on Politano, but it appears Rudiger is able to play peacemaker.
Kehrer and Florenzi are carded for their parts in the piece.
Italy 0-0 Germany
60. Germany make their first changes, with Sane and Henrichs being replaced by Musiala and Hofmann.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
