October 10, (THEWILL) – On Sunday afternoon, Italy defeated Belgium 2-1 at San Siro to win the bronze medal in the UEFA Nations League 2021.
Both sides got off to a strong start and had opportunities to score early. Alexis Saelemaekers struck the crossbar with a curving strike from the edge of the box, while Domenico Berardi tested Thibaut Courtois from distance.
The greatest chance of the first half came in injury time, when a lovely Berardi cross-field ball found Chiesa with only Courtois to beat, but the Belgian shot-stopper somehow managed to turn the shot around the post with his toe.
Italy took the lead just two minutes into the second half, when Nicolo Barella scored a volley from well beyond the box to put the hosts in command. After this setback, Roberto Martinez’s side took control of the game and went in search of an equaliser, with Michy Batshuayi clipping the crossbar with a ferocious shot from a close angle.
On 64 minutes, though, Chiesa was fouled in the box by Timothy Castagne, and Berardi stepped up to face Courtois, giving the Azzurri the chance to double their lead. The Italian winger drove his penalty beyond the goalie, who will feel he should have done better after correctly guessing the direction of the spot.
Toby Alderweireld then forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into a fantastic save, and Yannick Carrasco struck the post, but Belgium managed to add some suspense to the final five minutes when Charles De Ketelaere tucked the ball through the legs of the Italian goalkeeper to pull Belgium within one goal of a leveller.
However, Italy held on to win, securing their third-place position in the 2021 Nations League.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
