Nicolo Barella scored a brilliant opening goal before Domenico Berardi converted from the penalty spot and Belgium could manage only a consolation goal through Charles de Ketelaere.
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Italy defeated Belgium 2-1 on Sunday at Juventus stadium to claim third spot in the UEFA Nations League. Nicolo Barella scored a brilliant goal before Domenico Berardi converted from the penalty spot to see off Belgium who pulled one back through Charles de Ketelaere. The Belgium team started the third place play-off match without the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne and hit the woodwork on three occasions but were outplayed by the Azzurri for large parts of the game.
The Italians who were beaten by Spain in the semi-final match on Wednesday to end their 37-match unbeaten run, played with lots of energy and enthusiasm and Belgium’s poor luck also contributed to Italy’s success.
In the 28th minute, Alexis Saelemaekers who played in place of Kevin de Bruyne, slammed a shot against the Italian crossbar. Apart from that effort there weren’t too many good chances created in the first half.
Meanwhile, within a minute after the restart, Barella sparked the game into life with a stunning strike to break the deadlock. The 25-year-old midfielder slotted the ball into the bottom corner with a first-time volley after a clearing header from corner fell to his path.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez brought in De Bruyne for Youri Tielemans before the hour-mark. Batshuayi’s powerful shot struck the crossbar before Berardi extended the home side’s lead. Federico Chiesa was brought down inside the box by Timothy Castagne and Thibaut Courtois’ glove could only divert Berardi’s penalty kick into the top corner.
Although Italy were leading by two goals, Belgium dominated the ball possession and were able to create chances. Toby Alderweireld tested Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma twice before Yannick Carrasco hit the post with a curling shot ten minutes from time.
Five minutes from time, Chiesa’s corner kick was comfortably collected by Courtois and the Real Madrid custodian immediately released De Bruyne. The Manchester City playmaker passed the ball to substitute De Ketelaere who managed to squeeze it between the legs of Donnarumma from close range. It was a clever finish from the youngster.
However, Belgium couldn’t find the goal that could have taken the match to extra time and Italy won the bronze medal match.
