Portugal 1-0 Italy UEFA Nations League: match report
A lone Andre Silva goal in the second half was enough to see Portugal past Italy.
Portugal - Italy: match report
Portugal showed plenty of attacking intent on Monday night in Lisbon despite being without their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo. Their opponents, Italy, didnt shy away either as they get used to life under Roberto Mancini but they couldn't score against a solid Portuguese backline.
Andre Silva gave Fernando Santos' side the lead early in the second half with a lovely curled left-footed finish. That came after a lively opening half in which both sides continually attacked each other on the break. It was at breakneck speed too. Portugal edged it in that opening half with Bruma on the left looking particularly dangerous.
That continued in the second 45 with Bruma excelling and Bernardo Silva putting in a creative performance too. The brakthrough came on 48 minutes as Silva continues a good start to the the season.
Fernando Santos introduced subs in the second half that almost doubled the scoreline. Renato Sanches went close and Gelson Martins looked dangerous on the break too on occasion. Italy will have to go back to the drawing board after drawing a blank as life under Mancini continues to sputter along.
Portugal - Italy live online: updates
Portugal - Italy live online: preview
The Nations League is back and Fernando Santos' side welcome Roberto Mancini's to the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon on Monday 10 September 2018 with kick-off at 20:45 CEST. Portugal drew their first game in the tournament against Croatia thanks to a goal from Pepe and Italy had the same result against the Netherlands thanks to a Simone Zaza strike.
Portugal are without Cristiano Ronaldo but Andre Silva is as he looks to lead the line for Portugal. Santos has no injury worries and it remains to be seen who he starts with the likes of Gedson Fernandes, Sergio Oliveira, Claudio Ramos and Pedro Mendes all earning call-ups.
Roberto Mancini dropped Mario Balotelli from his squad and says his "fitness is an issue right now". Just when Italy needed a controversy-free start to life under the former Manchester City boss, it seems the reunion between him and his former player is directing the spotlight on them. It's many of the old names in Italy's side but mixed with some new faces. Donnarumma's time has come in goals and Bellotti might be given a chance in Balotelli's absence along with Chelsea midfielder Jorginho, who has impressed since his summer move to the Premier League.