Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Italy finish third in Nations League

Date:

Share post:

Italy withstood a late Belgium fightback to return to winning ways and claim third in the Nations League football competition.

Nicolo Barella opened the scoring with a crisp volley a minute after the interval in Turin before Domenico Berardi scored from the penalty spot.

Belgium hit the woodwork three times before pulling one back through Charles de Ketelaere late on.

They pressed for an equaliser but Italy, whose 37-game unbeaten run was ended by Spain on Wednesday, held on.

After a dull first half of the bronze-medal match, Barella sparked the game into life with a stunning first-time strike into the bottom corner from a corner.

Roberto Mancini’s side doubled their lead from the spot when Thibaut Courtois’ glove could only divert Berardi’s effort into the top corner after Timothy Castagne had brought down the lively Federico Chiesa.

Belgium continued to dominate possession and Courtois released substitute Kevin de Bruyne to find De Ketelaere, who nutmegged an otherwise inspired Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range.

The Italy goalkeeper had earlier denied former Tottenham defenders Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen with smart saves. (BBC)

Related articles

Shanae’s on a high with career choice

She is one of Barbados’ youngest commercial pilots, but her “flight path” was initially projected to take her...

DPP’s advice to murder accused

Take that plea. That’s the advice from the island’s top prosecutor to murder accused as he warned that...

ICBL core business ‘still profitable’

Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) is reporting another profitable period, as management targets an improvement in investment...

Powell, Russell and Allen selected by Kingsmen in CPL draft

The Jamaica Kingsmen have selected Rovman Powell, Andre Russell and Fabian Allen to represent them in this year’s...