Italy crushed Hungary's heart in the finals
Hungary showed a surprise in the UEFA Nations League this time. From the group of three world champions, Puskas' successors were the frontrunners for the finals. A draw in the last match of the group stage would have ensured the finals, as they faced Euro champions Italy. But even fairy tales have an end. Hungary's dreams of the finals were shattered after losing to Italy.
Hungary lost 2-0 against Euro champions Italy in their final UEFA Nations League group stage match on Monday (September 26). Giacomo Raspadori and Federico Dimarco scored twice for the Azzurri. With this victory, they confirmed the finals from the top position in the group. On the other hand, Hungary has become the group runner-up behind the two former world champions, Germany and England.
Hungary faced Italy at the Puskas Arena with the equation that a draw would guarantee the finals. Italy, on the other hand, had no choice but to win to secure a place in the finals. Hungary, who came from the top, could have scored five minutes after the start of the game. Brian Cristante's shot from the right wing was weak, but it was deflected off the hands of home goalkeeper Peter Gulasi and into the net. Atila Salai freed the team by clearing the ball from the goal line.
but they were not saved in the 27th minute. They forget themselves and give Italy a goal. A Hungarian defender made a backpass to the goalkeeper. But Gulasi could not clear the ball under the pressure of the Italian press. Raspadri got the ball into the empty net.
The only winning goal against England in the last match also came from the feet of the 22-year-old Napoli second striker.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo narrowly failed to double the lead five minutes later. His low shot went wide of the post.
Hungary had a chance to get back into the match before the break. Adam Salai passed Dominik Soboslai's free-kick in the box to the far post, but Orban couldn't get a shot into the empty net.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma saved Italy by making a double save at the beginning of the second half.
Italy doubled the lead soon after. Niccolo Barella's pass in the Dbox is received by Cristante. He lofted a pass from the byline on the right side. Dimarco got the ball at the far post and put it into an empty net.
Hungary got another chance in the 55th minute. Kalam Stylish's shot from close range was blocked by Donnarumma with his feet.
Meanwhile, the forward and captain of Hungary, Adam Salai, ended his international career with this match as previously announced. The 34-year-old star did not have a happy ending as the team lost.
Hungary got off to a good start by beating England 1-0 in the first match of the Nations League. After that, they lost in the field of Italy, but in the next match they stopped Germany 1-1. Then they went to England and shocked them by winning 4-0 in their own field.
A 1-0 win over Germany last Friday in the Group of Death gave them a chance to advance to the title race. However, Hungary was unable to win the last match against Italy.
