England vs Italy LIVE: Nations League result, final score and reaction tonight
All the action as the Three Lions go head-to-head with the Azzurri at Molineux
England’s first meeting with Italy since last year’s European Championship final was only a repeat of that night at Wembley in that both sides had cancelled each other out by the end of it. Otherwise, there was none of the jeopardy, none of the tension, no penalty shoot-out and thankfully, none of the trouble in the stands either. For the 1,000 or so schoolchildren watching this goalless draw in an otherwise empty Molineux due to a stadium ban on supporters, this was a memorable occasion. For everyone else in attendance, it was forgettable.
The question, three competitive games out from the World Cup, is how much Gareth Southgate has learned. For the first time in almost four years, England have gone three games without winning. This point keeps their chance of progressing from this group alive - thanks to Hungary holding Germany in Budapest - but still bottom of the group. The last goal from open play came in March, more than four hours of football ago. While admitting this end-of-season camp could have gone better, Southgate will not be overly concerned.
After all, it is difficult to separate the sluggishness on display with the fact that these Nations League games are coming at the end of a long, hard campaign. Both teams looked tired at Molineux - more tired than they did after a month of competition last year - and the fatigue particularly told during a second half that was low on real chances. Follow all the reaction for England vs Italy below:
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68’ - England 0-0 Italy
Bowen winds his way right to left and the ball eventually finds Ward-Prowse, but his swiped shot at goal is miles off-target.
Into the final quarter of the match we go. England’s only Nations League goal so far is a penalty, late on against Germany.
63’ - England 0-0 Italy
Changes are afoot. Italy first: Esposito and Gnonto on for Locatelli and Pellegrini.
Three subs for England: Harry Kane on for Abraham, Kalvin Phillips on for Rice, Jarrod Bowen on for Mount.
Can the new-look attack make things happen for the Three Lions?
59’ - England 0-0 Italy
It can probably be said at this stage that the Nations League end-of-season fixtures have not been overly inspiring for England. Perhaps not for many nations at all in fairness. But perhaps three points here would still yield positives for Gareth Southgate.
Grealish embarks on a winding run but his eventual pass across the box goes nowhere productive.
54’ - England 0-0 Italy
Decent chance for Sterling as Reece James whips a delivery over to the far post - but the City forward can’t get over the ball and lofts a shinned effort over the bar from five yards.
Grealish then passes to Sterling in the box and he shoots on the turn; this time it’s on target but easy for Donnarumma to save.
50’ - England 0-0 Italy
Ward-Prowse gives it away, Pellegrini surges forward and Italy look a threat - but eventually the blue shirts are crowded out and the end shot isn’t a concern. Gatti is then shown a yellow for manhandling Sterling as England look to return fire.
All a little flat and uninspired at the start of this second half so far.
46’ - England 0-0 Italy
Second half time. We are underway and no changes as yet for either nation. Gareth Southgate and Roberto Mancini both looking to develop the lineup in different ways for different reasons right now of course.
England 0-0 Italy
Cap No2 tonight for Aaron Ramsdale.
He has so far played for England against San Marino and Italy, which although close geographically, is pretty far apart in terms of talent and expectation on the world stage.
Neither will be at Qatar 2022 though, strangely.
Has Ramsdale shown enough to be considered the No2 to Jordan Pickford? Or will he need to have a great start to next season - or Nick Pope to have a poor one, perhaps?
45’ - England 0-0 Italy
No time added on and the whistle goes.
Abraham and Grealish get in a muddle and Tomori has to make a good block, then Locatelli’s strike is saved low by Ramsdale.
The ref blows the whistle and we’re all square at the break.
42’ - England 0-0 Italy
Final minutes of the half now. Scamacca fires one off-target and then Pessina hits one at goal which is deflected - and Ramsdale needs to tip over the bar. Ward-Prowse just got a touch on the ball to take some pace off it.
38’ - England 0-0 Italy
Grealish and Mount combine again down the left channel and the latter curls one at goal, but it’s straight at Donnarumma who makes a routine stop.
Italy haven’t really been able to up the tempo or improve their build-up play over the last 10 minutes or so.
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