Portugal beat Italy through Andre Silva’s goal

Lisbon – Portugal won 1-0 over Italy in the UEFA Nations League Group 3 A League, at the Da Luz Stadium, Lisbon, Monday (09/10/2018) local time. Portugal’s winning goal was scored by Andre Silva.

Portugal started its inaugural match in the UEFA Nations League without the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo. The captain was not called to strengthen Selecao das Quinas on two international matches, September 2018.

Although without Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal is still too strong for Italy. Portugal’s front line trident is filled with young players, Bernardo Silva, Andre Silva, and Bruma.

Portugal’s winning goal was scored by Andre Silva after using Bruma’s pass in the 48th minute. The 22-year-old fired a left-footed shot into the goal of his former AC Milan counterpart Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Italy failed to reply to Portugal’s goal. Roberto Mancini’s men found it difficult to score even though they had many attacking players. 1-0 score lasted for Portugal until the match was over.

The result led Portugal to top the Group 3 league standings with three points from one match. The Italians dropped to the bottom because they lost on goal difference from Poland who both packed one point.

Player composition

Portugal: 1-Rui Patricio; 2-Joao Cancelo, 3-Pepe, 6-Ruben Dias, 19-Mario Rui; 20-Pizzi (8-Renato Sanches 74), 13-Ruben Neves, 14-William Carvalho (15-Sergio Oliveira 86); 11-Bernardo Silva, 9-Andre Silva, 7-Bruma (18-Gelson Martins 77)

Coach: Fernando Santos

Italy: 22-Gianluigi Donnarumma; 15-Manuel Lazzari, 13-Mattia Caldara, 6-Alessio Romagnoli, 4-Domenico Criscito (2-Emerson 74); 14-Federico Chiesa, 23-Bryan Cristante (9-Andrea Belotti 79), 5-Jorginho, 8-Giacomo Bonaventura; 7-Simone Zaza, 17-Ciro Immobile (11-Domenico Berardi 59)

Coach: Roberto Mancini

Referee: William Collum (Scotland)