Italy vs Hungary

Desperate to improve an underwhelming six-game form (W1, D3, L2), Italy will play host to Hungary in the second round of UEFA Nations League Group A3.

Despite taking a lead midway through the second half in their mouth-watering Group a3 curtain-raiser against Germany, Italy had to eventually settle for a 1-1 home draw. That has barely helped under-pressure head coach Roberto Mancini shake off a bruising 3-0 Finalissima defeat to Argentina. Much of Italy’s form woes since conquering Euro 2020 last summer have to go to their uneventful attack. ‘Gli Azzurri’ have failed to score more than once in eight of their 11 internationals since lifting the European Championships trophy 11 months ago. By contrast, they’ve bagged nine goals in their last three internationals held in Cesena, which could be a source of inspiration for the underperforming Italians.

In the meantime, Hungary pulled off a massive upset in their group stage opener, beating Euro 2020 runners-up England 1-0 at home, courtesy of a second-half penalty converted by RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai. After securing their first victory over the ‘Three Lions’ in over 60 years, the ‘Magyars’ will be out to buck another trend. Arresting a six-match winless streak against Italy in competitive action (D2, L4) is not out of the realm of possibility. Indeed, the Hungarians had won three consecutive away Nations League fixtures before playing out a scoreless draw with Russia in their most recent such match-up. Yet, before overcoming Poland 2-1 in their most recent competitive away game, Hungary had been winless in two (D1, L1).