Portugal progress as 0-0 draw highlights Italian problems

Portgual and Italy played out a 0-0 draw in the UEFA Nations League, which saw Portugal progress to the finals tournament held next summer, whilst Poland were the side who were relegated to League B.

Italy always had an uphill battle to qualify, knowing a win against Portugal would be void if Fernando Santos’ side went on to beat Poland in the final game of the group stage.

But nevertheless Roberto Mancini put out a strong side to give them the best chance of progressing.

The Italians gave central defender Giorgio Chiellini his 100th cap, and received a commemorative trophy before the game to mark the occasion.

Mancini fielded the likes of Lorenzo Insigne and Ciro Immobile, hoping to break through the Portuguese back line at the San Siro.

But the home side proved to be immensely wasteful, failing to hit the back of the net despite being much the better side. Italy had 61% possession during the game and a huge 15 attempts at goal.

Their inability to test the goalkeeper, with just 3 shots on target, is a damning problem and one that must be addressed. After failing to qualify for the last World Cup Italy can ill afford to miss another major tournament, although they can still qualify via regular qualification means.

Whilst Portugal gained the point they needed to guarantee progression, they were on the back foot for large parts of the game and struggled to carry any serious threat without Cristiano Ronaldo.

William Carvalho had the best opportunity as he struck a long range effort which forced Gianluigi Donnarumma into his only save of the game, but a magnificent one at that.

Portugal have now gone five games unbeaten. In fact, their form over the last ten matches has only seen them beaten once, a 2-1 defeat to Uruguay at the World Cup in Russia.

With talisman and world superstar Ronaldo having not played for his national side since the World Cup, it is proof that they are in capable hands should be decide to step down in the near future. Although his presence will always be of help.

Italy meanwhile, need someone to stand up and be counted. Mancini has finally got his dream job but has a squad that lacks cohesion, direction and a true philosophy.

The evolution of Serie A has seen the classic Italian style of compact football be phased out, forcing Mancini to evolve his side and integrate more modern ways.

He is also tasked with guiding his team through a transitional period. Stalwarts of years gone by are starting to retire from international duties. The likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Danielle De Rossi called time on their Italy careers since the 2014 World Cup and the evergreen Juventus pairing of Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are approaching the end too.

Blooding a new generation of international footballers can and will take time. Implementing a new style of football, acclimatising to the ever evolving modern game, and coping with the instability this Italian side has suffered from since Antonio Conte left the job is a monumental task for Mancini.

The qualifying draw for Euro 2020 Group Stage takes place on December 2nd in Dublin and the qualifying starting in March 2019. Time is running out for Mancini to solve these problems, or there is a fear that Italy may miss out on yet another major tournament.