Italy 1-1 Germany: Experimental Azzurri side held by Hansi Flick's unbeaten Germany in Nations League opener

Germany extended their unbeaten run to 10 games with a 1-1 Nations League draw away to a new-look Italy side in Bologna on Saturday, with the two goals coming in the space of three second-half minutes. There was no splitting the sides in a cagey first half, but a superb assist from 18-year-old Azzurri debutant Wilfried Gnonto, who came off the bench five minutes earlier, led to Lorenzo Pellegrini’s opener on 70 minutes.

Ad/> The lead lasted just three minutes, though, before Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich guided in the equaliser to maintain manager Hansi Flick’s unbeaten record in charge of the national team. International friendliesMessi shines in Argentina's comfortable Finalissima win over Italy at Wembley01/06/2022 AT 17:44 Germany dominated possession from the first whistle as Roberto Mancini’s new-look Italy side initially struggled to find their feet, but neither side could muster more than pop shots from range in the opening exchanges.

The first big chance fell the Azzurri’s way, when Gianluca Scamacca’s powerful daisy-cutter of a shot from the edge of the area clipped the outside of the post, but Germany then missed a big chance when Serge Gnabry could only fire over with time and space to shoot from 12 yards out. The turning point came after FC Zurich striker Gnonto’s introduction, when he whipped in a superb cross from the right wing for Pellegrini to tap in.

But Germany issued an immediate response, as Italy failed to clear their lines in the box, and the ball bobbled out to Kimmich, who guided home a finish. Next up, Italy host Hungary on Tuesday, while Germany are at home to England.