A young Italy stops England, predictable and bottom

The setting was not Wembley, but Molineux, the home of Wolves, but England and Italy reissued this Saturday 11 months after the final of the European Championship. This time the European crown was not at stake between England and Italy, but rather three points in group 3 of League A of the Nations League. As at Wembley, they tied (0-0 instead of 1-1 then), but there were no penalties. However, a young Italy leaders of that group were once again victorious, while a predictable England remain bottom of the group after crashing out against their organized rival in a closed-door match.

England and Italy, runner-up and European champion respectively, neutralized each other at Molineux. All missed the appointment with the goal. In any case, for a young Italy, this 0-0 win means passing an exam and continuing to lead the group. England remains bottom. Italy, in the lead with 5 points. Hungary, 4. Germany, 3 and England, 2.

As many coaches do in this season-ending tournament, Roberto Mancini experimented and put England in check. Frattesi was able to put the ‘azzurra’ ahead and then Donnarumma hit the crossbar with a right footed shot from Mason Mount.

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But the clearest chance was for Tonali. England goalkeeper Ramsdale responded with a great save. Fewer goals, the first half offered a lot. In the second, much less emotions. Raheem Sterling, this Saturday captain of England, failed several times.

It gives the impression that, regardless of the rotations made by the coaches, the games they carry in their legs at this point in the season weigh heavily on the players, physically or mentally. In some cases, motivation. And England-Italy was no exception in some sections.

There were no ‘targets’ at Molineux even though Southgate and Mancini made changes in search of changing the course of the match. Not even the entry of Harry Kane, who against Germany scored his 50th goal with England, brought him to the Three Lions team, which has two draws and one defeat in these three games. The best news for the ‘pross’ was that Kalvin Phillips was able to reappear after being injured against Germany.