Italy Go Top Of Group After Defeating Hungary in Nations League

European champions Italy returned to winning after securing a 2-1win against Hungary in the Nations League courtesy of goals from Nicolo Barella and Lorenzo Pellegrini.

The Azurri who lost in a play-off against North Macedonia, thereby failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, has also not secured a win their last two games after losing 3-0 to Argentina in the Finalissima before drawing 1-1 with Germany in Nations League opener.

Roberto Mancini's men had chances to score before taking the lead in Cesena, but Mancini's headers were stopped twice by Hungary goalkeeper Denes Dibusz.

After fine work from Leonardo Spinazzola, Italy took the lead when Nicolo Barella curled a strike into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

With a low shot following Matteo Politano's right-wing pullback, Lorenzo Pellegrini increased the hosts' lead.

Hungary, who upset England 1-0 on Saturday, equalized through an own goal by Gianluca Mancini.

After Barella's goal, Italy pushed for a second, and Wilfried Gnonto was denied only by a brilliant sliding clearance from Loic Nego before Roma's attacker Pellegrini made it 2-0 at the break.

Politano came close to adding a third goal, but his effort hit the crossbar.

It had appeared like Italy would cruise to victory, but Gianluca Mancini slipped the ball into the net uncontested following a right-wing cross to halve the deficit and give Hungary hope.

After a 1-1 draw with Germany on Saturday, Italy now has four points from two games.

The victory over Hungary takes Italy to the top of Group 3 in the Nations League after Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by England in the other group game.

On Saturday, June 11th, England will face Italy in a rematch of last summer's Euro 2020 final, which Roberto Mancini's side won 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the conclusion of extra time.

After the Football Association was slammed with sanctions following crowd disturbances at the Euro 2020 final, the match will be hosted at Wolverhampton Wanderers' Molineux stadium with a limited attendance.

After hundreds of ticketless fans snuck inside Wembley and argued with officials after areas outside the stadium were packed hours before the evening kick-off, the FA was fined £84,560 for "the lack of order and discipline" at the contest.

Children under the age of 14 will be able to attend if accompanied by an adult, and up to 3,000 people are expected to participate.