Italy score twice to earn first 2022 Nations League Group C victory with home win over Hungary

An experimental Italy side gelled effectively as Roberto Mancini’s charges claimed their first victory of their UEFA Nations League campaign, beating Hungary 2-1 in Cesena. Hungary were high on confidence after an historic 1-0 win over England on Saturday, but their resilience was broken after just half an hour when Nicolo Barella’s arrowed shot from outside the box hit the top corner.

Ad/> Mancini made six changes to the side that held Germany to a 1-1 draw, but it was a familiar face in Lorenzo Pellegrini who doubled the Azzurri’s advantage, slotting home from Matteo Politano’s pull-back for the 25-year-old’s second goal in as many games. UEFA Nations LeagueExperimental Italy side held by Flick's unbeaten Germany in Nations League opener04/06/2022 AT 18:10 Just when it seemed like Italy were in control, an own goal from Gianluca Mancini as he attempted to clear Attila Fiola’s cross halved the deficit with 30 minutes still remaining.

Gianluigi Donnarumma had to react quickly to tip Ronald Sallai’s effort over the bar as Hungary pushed for an equaliser. But Italy held on rather comfortably to move second in Group A3, level on points with Germany – who beat England 1-0 — after two games.

Hungary are third. More to follow UEFA Nations LeagueSouthgate blames 'inherited thinking' as children boo England players taking the knee04/06/2022 AT 17:16 UEFA Nations LeagueSzoboszlai penalty sees England lose Nations League opener in Budapest04/06/2022 AT 15:11