Luciano Spalletti's Italy slow down in the Nations League.
After two successful away games in September against France and Israel, against Belgium - in their first outing in front of the Italian public after the flop of the European Championship - the Azzurri drew 2-2 after having been ahead 2-0.
The key episode was Pellegrini's expulsion in the 39th minute of the first half after a senseless foul, which was immediately followed by De Cuyper's goal, which cut the legs off the enthusiasm. Up until that moment Spalletti's boys had literally dominated their opponents but then, due to the numerical gap, they were no longer able to impose their game.
The Red Devils are sixth in the FIFA ranking (Italy is tenth) and remain a technical, fast and dangerous opponent.
The Azzurri start with their foot on the accelerator and Cambiaso's 1-0 comes after 90 seconds. A lightning goal, this time scored by Luciano Spalletti's men who instead against France, in September, found themselves behind after a handful of seconds. The first half against Belgium sees the Azzurri dominate (as well as doubling with Retegui) until Pellegrini's expulsion and De Cuyper's goal. And in the second half comes the Belgian equaliser that postpones the Azzurri's plans for victory.
The Nations League campaign is of fundamental importance for Italy, which aims to be the top seed in the draw for the qualifying groups for the 2026 World Cup. On Monday in Udine, Italy will be looking for a win against Israel.
(Online Union)
