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The Bulgarian soccer team recorded their second defeat in the world qualifiers after losing 2-0 to Italy in Sofia. The team showed improvement since their first meeting with Switzerland, especially in defense, where there were no serious errors, but could not avoid defeat.
Italy took theirs with goals from Andrea Bellotti on penalties in the 43rd minute and Manuel Locatelli in the 83rd.
The team continued their incredible streak and are already undefeated in 24 consecutive games. In addition, Italy achieved its first success on Bulgarian territory.
As in the game with Switzerland, the Bulgarian team did not have many arguments in attack. In 90 minutes, Bulgaria made a single accurate shot. After two matches, Bulgaria is at the bottom of Group C as there are still no points and they have a goal difference of 1: 5.
Yasen Petrov made six changes to his starting lineup. Plamen Iliev, Daniel Dimov, Vasil Bozhikov, Cicinho and captain Georgi Kostadinov held their positions since the game with Switzerland. One of the changes was the inclusion of Andrey Galabinov, and the team’s debut was recorded by Lokomotiv (Plovdiv) midfielder Petar Vitanov.
The Italian team also had six changes.
In the first minutes, the Bulgarian players tried to put pressure on the guests and put pressure on the opponent’s court. Initially, the attempts were successful, but then Italy found a way to export the ball.
In the seventh minute, the guests were entitled to a penalty when Federico Chiesa was brought down in the penalty area.
A little later came the first accurate shot from the Bulgarian team. It was sent by Galabinov, but right in the hands of goalkeeper Donadum.
© Reuters
Little by little, Italy settled permanently in the Bulgarian countryside and attacked mainly on the left flank, where Cicinho was experiencing difficulties. Several times the guests were in danger, but the defenders of Bulgaria succeeded.
In the 43rd minute, Italy received a penalty after Belotti fell into the penalty area after a clash with Daniel Dimov. Replays did not show a convincing stumble or push from the Bulgarian defender, but referee Slavko Vincic pointed to the white spot.
From 11 meters, Beloti shot hard and left no chances for Plamen Iliev.
© LAP.BG
After the break, the pace of the game slowed down, with Italy not attacking as hard. However, the guests kept the ball longer and therefore did not give the Bulgarian team many chances.
Only once did Bulgaria organize a dangerous attack from the right, after which there were claims of penalties. A little later, Italy also claimed a new penalty.
Yasen Petrov’s players tried mainly with long passes, but Andrey Galabinov had no chances against two defenders and many times had to come back down the center line to play with the ball.
After the 60th minute, the physical strength of the Bulgarian players also ran out and they had a hard time attacking more massively.
Italy’s substitutions had a greater effect, as Manuel Locatelli scored a second goal for the guests in the 83rd minute. He didn’t give Plamen Iliev a chance with a discount shot in the far corner.
Until the end of regulation time, the best opportunities remained for the guests, as Ciro Imobile failed alone against the goalkeeper.
On March 31, Bulgaria will play its third match of the World Playoffs, visiting Northern Ireland in Belfast.
