Italy’s eleven-game unbeaten run comes to an end as Roberto Mancini’s side draw 1-1 to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first game of the UEFA Nations League. The Azzurri controlled the game in Florence in a first half that was largely devoid of goalmouth action. Dzeko put the guests ahead after the break before Sensi equalised for the hosts, who were unable to complete the comeback and even allowed the Bosnians numerous chances to get their noses back in front. Ten months after they last played - against Armenia, the Azzurri lacked a little bit of sharpness and match fitness in the face of courageous and tough opposition, who were solid at the back and led by a real talent in Edin Dzeko. Italy return to action on Monday when they head to Amsterdam to take on the Netherlands, who got off to a winning start tonight against Poland.

THE GAME. Donnarumma started in goal with a centre-back pairing of Francesco Acerbi and Leonardo Bonucci ahead of him, in a defence flanked by Florenzi on the right and Biraghi on the left. Without Veratti, Mancini chose also to opt against Jorginho in midfield, playing a central trio of Sensi, Barella and Pellegrini. The forward trident was made up of Chiesa and Insigne out wide with Belotti through the middle.

Italy’s gameplan was clearly to maintain possession of the football and press high when the ball was not at their feet. They looked to dominate the game and benefit from Bonucci’s trademark long raking balls forward. After Insigne’s shot flew over the bar, the Napoli forward fed Chiesa, who could only manage to hit the side netting. In the 18th minute, it was Insigne again, who went close, this time from a well-struck free kick. Bosnia shut up shop, looking to find dangerman Dzeko on the break, but the Roma striker was well marshalled by Acerbi in a duel of cross-city rivals in club football. From the bench, Mancini asked for higher tempo when going forward, but Bajevic’s side were adept at shutting down every hint of a space. The first half ended without any real chances for either team.

After the break, the woodwork was king, denying Hodzic, whose shot from the byline struck the upright, and then Insigne after some good work from Chiesa. Bosnia got their noses in front in the 57th minute through Dzeko, who took advantage of some confusion in the Italy penalty area after the corner and poked it home past Donnarumma. Italy pushed forward in search of the equaliser, which they found just ten minutes later through Sensi; the Inter midfielder’s shot took a large deflection of Sunjic, leaving Sehic no chance. Mancini sent on Zaniolo and Golden Boot winner Immobile in place of Chiesa and Belotti respectively. The Azzurri missed two big chances to go in front for the first time on the night: the first from Florenzi, saved by Sehic, and the second from Zaniolo, whose header was just wide. Bosnia continued to look dangerous on the counterattack and Donnarumma did well to deny Visca. Kean replaced Pellegrini to try and get the winner, but it was Bosnia who came closest to making it 2-1, but Besic couldn’t hit the target. It ended 1-1, now Italy head to the Netherlands looking for a win against De Oranje.

The schedule

Saturday 5 September

10:00 – Training (behind closed doors)

17:30 – Transfer Florence to Venice

Sunday 6 September

10:45 – Transfer Venice to Amsterdam

11:00 – The Netherlands’ training at the KNVB Campus (open to the press for the first 15 minutes)

13:15 – The Netherlands’ press conference (Coach and one player) at the KNVB Campus

17:30 - Italy’s press conference (Coach and one player) at the Johan Cruijff ArenA

18:00 – Italy’s training at the Johan Cruijff ArenA (open to the press for the first 15 minutes)

Monday 7 September

20:45 – Netherlands vs. Italy (Johan Cruijff ArenA)

Followed by a press conference with the Coach and the squad’s return to Italy