Italy reaches Nations League finals by beating Bosnia 2-0

Italy advanced to 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 it finished top of Group 1 and earned right to host Nations League finals in October.

Federico Bernardeschi also hit crossbar late on with one of Italy’s numerous chances.

Italy finished a point ahead of Nerlands, which scored two late goals to win 2-1 in Poland.

Bosnia was already mamatically relegated to League B.

Italy was beset with problems coming into match. Coach Roberto Mancini and standout forward Ciro Immobile were still out with coronavirus, and several more players were unavailable due to club quarantines and injuries.

Italy dominated from start and opened scoring in 22nd minute. Manuel Locatelli sent Lorenzo Insigne down left flank and he crossed for Belotti, whose volley looped over Bosnia goalkeeper Kenan Pirić.

Bosnia almost leveled 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 its lead but Lorenzo Insigne's curled finish skimmed outside of far post.

Italy was creating chances but lacked finishing touch. On hour mark it was Francesco Acerbi’s turn to miss target as his effort flashed across goal and just wide of right upright.

Azzurri finally doubled ir lead in 68th as Locatelli sent a ball over top for Berardi to volley into bottom right corner.

Im credits: AP