An Italy other than the one that lost to Argentina drew against Germany and proved to be up to the task

Italy resisted Germany in Bologna, with a squad renewed by Roberto Mancini in which up to six players made their debut with the ‘Azzurri’ on this first day of the League of Nations.

Lorenzo Pellegrini (70 minutes) gives the Azzurri the lead on a cross from Wilfried Gnoto, one of the rookies of the day. Joshua Kimmich led Germany’s reaction (minute 73) to equalize, which holds the record of unbeaten (8 wins 2 draws) since Hansi Flick’s arrival on the ‘Mannschaft’ bench.

After Italy’s recent stumbles against North Macedonia in the 2022 World Cup playoffs (1-0 defeat) and against Argentina last Wednesday in the ‘Final’ (3-0 defeat), Mancini’s team needed more of victories of Germany, but despite the design, the ‘Nazionale’ showed signs of improvement compared to the last performances.

To do so, the Italians had to survive at first with chances for Germany, with two chances from Serge Gnabry (15 and 38) and one more from Thomas Muller (25), who required the maximum effort from defender Alessandro Florenzi. to avoid the goal.

After passing through the locker rooms, Italy wanders around in Manuel Neuer’s area but without success. After the time of the match, Roberto Mancini decided to make his debut with the ‘National’ Gnonto, center forward of Swiss FC Zurich. The young man took advantage of it and after five minutes on the pitch he managed to cross into the area for Pellegrini who shot at will at the far post.

Pride wounded, Germany reacted and, after a poorly defended move, Joshua Kimmich equalized seconds after the local goal. The German storm did not stop and Gianluigi Donnarumma saved his men on two clear occasions. In injury time Italy wasted a corner that generated a counterattack by Germany, stopped again by Donnarumma.

The distribution of points leaves Italy and Germany tied in 2nd and 3rd place in Group 3 of the League of Nations A. The following Tuesday Italy hosts Hungary, the current leaders after the surprising victory against England (1- 0). At the same time, Germany will receive the British to start defining the positions of one of the most even groups of the continental competition.