England beat Italy 1-2 at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. L'start of Euro 2024, then, it wasn't the rosy for left-handed kids.
To be fair, this looked more like a draw, but in the end what matters is to bring the victory home, just like His Majesty's team did.
Below are the report cards of the Italy players who took the field against England.
Scoreboard team Italy – England 1-2
Donnarumma - 6: Despite making a couple of fine saves, he could do nothing in the two goals England conceded, including one from a penalty where he was wrong-footed.
By Lorenzo - 5: He didn't play a good first half, resulting in a penalty kick for a clear hand ball on Kane. In the second half he improved his performance together with the team.
Unripe – 5.5: He had a difficult client like Kane, but he played a poor match in the first half. In the first goal he looked too static together with the blue defense. He did better in the second half, even with the ball at his feet.
Toloi - 5: He played an unhappy match with several mistakes in defense and ineffective scoring against the English forwards.
Spinazzola – 5.5: He deflected Kane's shot, but unfortunately the ball landed in Rice's feet and he scored. As usual, he was more effective up front, where however he did very little compared to the defensive phase.
Stretcher – 5.5: He provided a great deal of work, but his playing quality was poor and he didn't score as usual in the national team shirt.
Christian – 6 (replaced in the 17th minute of the second half): He came on to give centimeters and geometries but didn't affect that much.
Jorgenho – 5: His metronome work didn't work and he lost a myriad of balls, some of which could become bloody.
Tonals – 6 (replaced on 24' of the second half): He brought fresh strength to Italy which was trying to come back, with an ordered half hour and the right temperament.
Verratti – 5.5: His qualities have not been questioned, but he has often made the wrong choice in the frontline and has never chosen a shot on goal even when it seemed the best option.
Scamacca – sv (replaced in the 43rd minute of the second half)
Berardi – 5.5: He was the least incisive of the initial trident and didn't express his imagination, following up on the whole team's opaque first half.
politan - 6 (replaced in the 17th minute of the second half): He was the author of a good all-court ride, but he did little else.
Retegui – 6: After some initial uncertainties, he scored a good goal which however was not enough to tie the match.
Pilgrims – 6: His assist for Retegui was nice and finishing, but he couldn't get into other dangerous offensive actions from Italy.
Gnonto – 6 (replaced on 24' of the second half): He tried to shake up the team and gave everything he could.
