History repeats itself - Azzurri seal third spot finish as they overcome Red Devils 2-1
Roberto Mancini became the first Azzurri manager to superintendent 30 victories for the Italians as his side emerged 2-1 victors over Belgium in the third-place play-off of the UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE.
Denzel Kimani 11 
Both teams opened the account with equal intensity as they set off to scoop third position in the UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE(UNL).
'Red Devil's number one Thibaut Courtois was put to the test as he blocked a Federico Chiesa effort with his feet. Belgium were knocking on Italians door throughout the opening minutes as Michy Batshuayi agonized the Italian defence throughout the opening 45 mins. The Besiktas target man set up Alexis Saelemakers who curled his effort harrowing over the bar much to the delight of Italy and PSG shot stopper Gianluigi Donnaruma.
Italy found their breakthrough one min after resumption of the second half as Nico Barella proved to be once again a thorn in Roberto Martinez' flesh as he struck a classy half-volley past an outstretched Courtois to take the lead.
Knowing a loss would see his side knocked off pole position in the WORLD FIFA Rankings, Roberto Martinez made the necessary changes by bringing on Man City maestro Kevin De Bruyne but the effort seemed fruitless as the Azzuri doubled their lead moments later midway through the game. Federico Chiesa's trickery in the six-yard area was too much for Timothy Castagne to handle and the Leicester Fullback brought the Juventus star man down. Sasuolo forward Domenico Berardi stepped up to the plate and squeezed his spot-kick into the far post.
Charles De Ketelaere grabbed Belgians' consolation goal on his debut, a goal that seemed to ignite a possible late comeback by the Red Devils but all hope was lost as Italy held off their nerves. The result leaves Belgium winless in six games against the 2020 Euro Champions.
