Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-2 Italy: Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi fire Azzurri into Nations League finals… which they are now set to host
- Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi fired Italy into Nations League semi-finals
- Italians eased to win despite absence of boss Roberto Mancini on the touchline
- Star forward Ciro Immobile was also among players absent for the key clashÂ
- Italy are now set to become the host nation for the finals next OctoberÂ
Italy advanced to the Nations League final four by beating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday.
Andrea Belotti and Domenico Berardi scored in a game that Italy dominated to ensure they finished top of Group 1 and earned the right to host the Nations League finals in October.
Federico Bernardeschi also hit the crossbar late on with one of Italy’s numerous chances.
Andrea Belotti (second right) celebrates opening the scoring for Italy in their win over Bosnia
Domenico Bernardi (left) was also on target as Italy triumphed 2-0 in Sarajevo
Italy celebrate advancing to the Nations League finals next year which they are set to host
Italy finished a point ahead of Holland, who scored two late goals to win 2-1 in Poland. Bosnia were already mathematically relegated to League B.
Italy were beset with problems coming into the match. Boss Roberto Mancini and standout forward Ciro Immobile were still out with the coronavirus, and several more players were unavailable due to club quarantines and injuries.
Italy dominated from the start and opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Manuel Locatelli sent Lorenzo Insigne down the left flank and he crossed for Belotti, whose volley looped over Bosnia goalkeeper Kenan Piric.
Italy narrowly topped their Nations League group to reach the finals next year
Italy oalkepeer Gianluigi Donnarumma (left) looks to save a shot during the encounter
Emerson (right) of Italy competes for the ball with Sinisa Sanicanin of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Italy boss Alberico Evani took charge in the absence of Roberto Mancini
Bosnia almost levelled shortly before halftime but Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma pulled off a great save at point-blank range to deny Smail Prevljak.
Moments later Italy could have doubled their lead but Lorenzo Insigne’s curled finish skimmed the outside of the far post.
Italy were creating chances but lacked the finishing touch. On the hour mark it was Francesco Acerbi’s turn to miss the target as his effort flashed across goal and just wide of the right upright.
The Azzurri finally doubled their lead in the 68th as Locatelli sent a ball over the top for Berardi to volley into the bottom right corner.