Italian kids stand up to the Germans, young Gnonto is Mancini's revelation
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 04.06.22. | 23:50
Italian coach presents the next generation of talent in an entertaining draw
Italy and Germany drew 1-1 in Bologna on Saturday night, but it was Roberto Mancini's decision to field several youngsters and debutants that really lifted the home fans.
It's a European classic of two former World Champions in which is always certain to get publicity. But it's the Nations League, the new competition where results are still not quite as important to coaches. Instead, they try to mix and match and find the winning formula to be used in World Cup and Euro qualifiers.
🇮🇹 Willy Gnonto (18) comes on for his @Azzurri debut.
— Football Wonderkids (@fbwonderkids) June 4, 2022
Minutes later, delivers an assist to Lorenzo Pellegrini. 🎯
Breakout season, first cap, fun player. Keep watching him! pic.twitter.com/4ZHSlN9LxE
Mancini's handed young attacker Wilfried Gnonto his Italy debut and changed the game that was previously goalless. The 18-year-old diminutive forward made an instant impact, teeing up Lorenzo Pellegrini with an inviting ball to tap in and make it 1-0 at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.
The crowd went wild, but the lead lasted barely three minutes. On the other end, Joshua Kimmich finished off a frantic move by hammering the ball beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma.
There were no more goals, but it was an entertaining match in which both teams tried to win and served up an enjoyable match despite very hot weather and the night heat of around 30 degrees in Bologna.
Italy will be back in action again against Hungary on Tuesday, while Germany host England on the same day.
UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE
LEAGUE A, ROUND 1
Wednesday
Poland - Wales 2-1 (0-0)
/Kaminski 72, Swiderski 85 - Williams 52/
Thursday
Czech R. - Switzerland 2-1 (1-1)
/Kuchta 11, Sow 58 og - Okafor 44/
Spain - Portugal 1-1 (1-0)
/Morata 25 - Horta 82/
Friday
Belgium - Netherlands 1-4 (0-1)
/Batshuayi 90+3 - Bergwijn 40, Depay 51, 66, Dumfries 62/
Croatia - Austria 0-3 (0-1)
/Arnautovic 41, Gregoritsch 54, Sabitzer 57/
France - Denmark 1-2 (0-0)
/Benzema 51 - Cornelius 68, 88/
Saturday
Hungary - England 1-0 (0-0)
/Szoboszlai 66 pen/
Italy - Germany 1-1 (0-0)
/Pellegrini 70 - Kimmich 73/
Sunday
21.45: (4.90) Czech R. (3.60) Spain (1.79)
21.45: (1.79) Portugal (3.60) Switzerland (5.60)
Monday
21.45: (3.80) Croatia (3.50) France (2.14)
21.45: (2.95) Austria (3.20) Denmark (2.55)
Tuesday
21.45: (2.50) Germany (3.20) England (3.15)
21.45: (1.32) Italy (5.40) Hungary (12.0)
Wednesday
21.45: (5.20) Wales (3.60) Netherlands (1.80)
21.45: (1.65) Belgium (3.80) Poland (6.25)
***odds are subject to change
