the azzurri go to the Final Four of the Nations League – Corriere.it

A final caught on the fly, with two acrobatic goals, from Belotti and Berardi, one more beautiful than the other. Italy stretches Bosnia and the last act of the Nations League takes place. It should be normal. But the reality is that this Italy that fell into the depths of the World Cup after the play-off lost three years ago with Sweden, has returned to itself, has been rediscovered as fascinating as well as a winner. And fall in love again, with still partial victories, but that bring a little more smile to a country injured by Covid. “Satisfying Italians and especially those who are not feeling well was one of our objectives,” explains Evani, still in place of Mancini arrested for the virus. Seeing this team play is joyous.

Lukaku scores two more goals with his Belgium, Morata never stops with Spain, Rabiot has become the new man of France: the “enemy” – for the finals to be played at San Siro and Juventus Stadium in eleven months – Italy lo will have at home. And this, too, basically certifies the growth of Serie A. “We can’t wait to compare ourselves with the big teams, we think we’re getting closer,” Evani relaunched. We want to get there playing. And we have wonderful guys to do it with. ”Endured with annoyance by the clubs, Mancini-Evani’s team also wins in Sarajevo, conquers the 22nd consecutive useful result and after qualifying for the European Championship with 10 wins out of 10, takes a step more on its way to rebirth, already sure of being seeded in the December 7 draw for the World Cup qualifiers, Italy also wins a group of 5 teams.

Compared to the good victory over Poland, only the right forward changes, from Bernardeschi to Berardi. Bosnia is decimated by the virus, runs out of Dzeko and also loses Kolasinac before the start. The rhythms of the Azzurri are less intense, also because the championship is approaching. But surely it is not an Italy to save, if it is true that Belotti scores at 22 ‘in the third goal attempt: the recovery of Locatelli, the descent of Insigne and above all the assistance of the number 10 for the Gallo are the gesture technical that characterizes the evening. And also the division on the march of the center forward is not so trivial: Belotti with 6 goals becomes the best scorer of Mancini’s management, highlighting Jorginho. Before catching their breath and risking something in the area (Donnarumma resolves on Prevljak), Italy is close to doubling, again with Belotti and then with Insigne, who hits the post after a superb launch from Barella. The defect of not taking advantage of the many opportunities and of not closing the matches immediately is seen again in the second half, but an enlightening shot from Locatelli is volleyed by Berardi, his teammate in Sassuolo, for 2-0.

Insigne plays across the board, Barella is confirmed as the leader and Locatelli himself will not only play for a place at 23rd for the European Championship, but undermine Verratti as a starter. Belotti, on the other hand, wins points in the distance challenge with Immobile, one of Mancini’s nodes. But the faces of Italy, which is once again among the greats, now smile. There is still time to choose