England and Italy fire blanks in the low-key EURO 2020 finals replica

Almost 3,000 schoolchildren at Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton witnessed more than an exciting game on Saturday night but will tell their parents the Three Lions and the Azzurri struggle with finishing.

A two-match ban imposed by the UEFA for the incidents ahead of the EURO 2020 finals at Wembley meant England would face Italy without much-needed support.

Taken aback by such strange atmosphere, Gareth Southgate's boys simply couldn't find the way to score and serve the expected revenge for that terrible loss last year.

Victorious Italy return home after spoiling England's Euro 2020 party

On the other hand, Roberto Mancini's side also had some surprisingly bad moments throughout the game. Despite several clear-cut chances, the team comprised of nothing more than decent Serie A players once again demonstrated why they would miss the upcoming World Cup.

Mamma mia! European Champions are missing the second World Cup in a row

When you look at the scoreboard after the first half, you could make a wrong guess it was a dull game due to clean sheets on both sides. However, it was anything but boring since the match was packed with action in front of Ramsdale's and Donnarumma's posts. And both keepers were more than in danger almost straight from the kickoff.

Frattesi missed a sitter for the Azzurri after a one-two only 120 seconds into the game. It went wide of the right post, albeit it seemed Arsenal's custodian couldn't stop it for the world if it was just a few inches closer.

On the other end, Tammy Abraham fired from the close range, as Donnarumma made a horrible mistake, but it stayed 0-0.

It stayed goalless on the brink of the 9th minute when Mount hit the crossbar following Abraham's superb pass.

Still, the most promising goal-scoring opportunity came around the 25-minute mark, with AC Milan's midfielder Tonali literally hitting Ramsdale's foot instead of finding the back of the net from the dead chance, as he was left totally unmarked near the six-yard box.

To make sure Tonali doesn't feel too ashamed, Jack Grealish embarrassed himself. His lousy effort was blocked by an Italian defender, although the position seemed more than promising to break the deadlock finally.

If you think the break made all the difference, you're more than wrong - the festival of stunning misses continued even in the second half. The stage was this time set for the Three Lions' captain Raheem Sterling, as his ball nearly hit the clouds with him being less than three yards away from the goal line.

The clash's tempo started to deteriorate from that point, so Southgate turned to his subs. Especially to his - in other circumstances - regular captain Harry Kane. However, even he's not made of steel, and the awfully long season has taken its toll.

The remaining part of the game lacked chances and action as both sides seemed comfortable with a draw that keeps the status quo in their UEFA Nations League Group A.

UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE

LEAGUE A, ROUND 1

Tuesday

Germany - England 1-1 (0-0)

/Hofmann 50 - Kane 88 pen/

Italy - Hungary 2-1 (2-0)

/Barella 30, Pellegrini 45 - Mancini 61 og/

Wednesday

Belgium - Poland 6-1 (1-1)

/Witsel 42, De Bruyne 59, Trossard 73, 80, Dendoncker 83, Openda 90+3 - Lewandowski 28/

Wales - Netherlands 1-2 (0-0)

/Norrington-Davies 90+2 - Koopermeiners 50, Weghorst 90+4/

Thursday

Portugal - Czech R. 2-0 (2-0)

/Cancelo 33, Guedes 38/

Switzerland - Spain 0-1 (0-1)

/Sarabia 13/

Friday

Austria - France 1-1 (1-0)

/Weimann 36 - Mbappe 83/

Denmark - Croatia 0-1 (0-0)

/Pašalić 69/

Saturday

Hungary - Germany 1-1 (1-1)

/Nagy 6 - Hofmann 9/

England - Italy 0-0

Wales - Belgium 1-1 (0-0)

/Johnson 86 - Tielemans 51/

Netherlands - Poland 2-2 (0-1)

/Klaassen 51, Dumfries 54 - Cash 18, Zielinski 49/

Sunday

21.45: (3.80) Switzerland (3.50) Portugal (2.10)

21.45: (1.40) Spain (4.90) Czech R. (9.00)

Monday

21.45: (2.00) Denmark (3.50) Austria (4.10)

21.45: (1.60) France (3.80) Croatia (7.25)

Tuesday

21.45: (1.32) England (5.40) Hungary (12.0)

21.45: (1.85) Germany (3.70) Italy (4.60)

***odds are subject to change