The Azzurri kicked off the third edition of the UEFA Nations League with a 1-1 draw against Germany. Three days after the defeat to Argentina in the Finalissima, Italy were full of new faces and fresh spirit in front of 24,000 supporters at the Dall’Ara in Bologna, who appreciated a young and spirited team, who more than matched one of the favourites for the next World Cup, Germany. On an evening where Mancini gave debuts to six newcomers (Frattesi, Gnonto, Pobega, Dimarco, Cancellieri and Ricci), changing ten out of the eleven starters at Wembley last Wednesday, the Azzurri were second best for the first 20 minutes but came out on top thereafter. After the break, Pellegrini scored, with an assist from an energetic Gnonto, before Kimmich equalised soon after. But it didn’t dampen a positive performance from a rejuvenated Italy.

THE MATCH. Due to injuries to various players, Mancini was forced into making ten changes from the defeat to Argentina at Wembley last Wednesday. Donnarumma was the only player to keep his place with Florenzi and Biraghi replacing Di Lorenzo and Emerson, and Acerbi and Bastoni forming the central defence pairing. There was a midfield trio of Cristante, Tonali and a debut for Frattesi, whilst up front, Coach Mancini called on Scamacca to try to get the Azzurri back scoring. Supporting him were the pair who had just missed out on the Euro 2020 squad, Politano and Pellegrini; the Roma captain missing out due to an injury on the eve of the tournament opener against Turkey.

Germany, under new head coach Hansi Flick, had plenty of stars on show at the Dall’Ara, including Gnabry, Sané, Werner and the ever-present Thomas Müller. Die Mannschaft started the better of the two sides, with their familiar high press. Italy struggled to play out from the back with Scamacca given the tough task of providing an outlet for his team. In the 15th minute, Gnabry had the first real chance of the game, working his way into the box with the ball at his feet and firing straight at Donnarumma. Florenzi then blocked Müller’s effort before Goretzka failed to convert from a good move, which was started by Müllers backheeled pass to Gnabry. The Azzurri grew into the game as the first half drew on and Frattesi twice came close. In the 35th minute, Scamacca almost handed the hosts the lead but his low driven effort struck the post. Germany responded three minutes later as they carved out a chance for Gnabry, who blazed over the crossbar. The first half came to a close with the score locked at 0-0, probably the right scoreline.

At the start of the second half, it was Scamacca again who provided the attacking threat for Italy, first heading wide and then with an acrobatic attempt that went straight at Neuer. In the 65th minute, substitute and debutant Wilfried Gnonto provided a moment of magic, escaping down the right flank and putting the ball on a plate for Pellegrini to sweep it home and make it 1-0. The lead lasted just three minutes, however, as Kimmich smashed home the equaliser. Kimmich tested Donnarumma again while Gnonto continued his brilliant cameo, earning the applause from the crowd in Bologna. Four more debutants entered the pitch late on: Pobega, Dimarco, Cancellieri and Ricci.

Italy head down the road for the next Nations League game in Cesena, where they host Hungary, who earlier in the day achieved a shock win over England in Budapest. It certainly won’t be a cakewalk but Italy can look to the future with hope.