Lorenzo Pellegrini assures he ‘didn’t see Spain superior to Italy tonight’ in the Nations League semi-final, especially down to 10 men for the entire second half.

Nations League | Italy 1-2 Spain: Bonucci sees Roja

The Azzurri saw their 37-game world record unbeaten run come to an end with this 2-1 defeat, although Pellegrini did score a late consolation goal on Federico Chiesa’s assist after a Ferran Torres brace and Leonardo Bonucci’s red card.

“We’re very disappointed and feel above all regret, because we could’ve done well, but the incidents went against us today,” Roma midfielder Pellegrini told RAI Sport.

Bonucci received the first yellow card for dissent, the second for jumping with elbow raised on Sergio Busquets.

“It was a challenge, sometimes the ref gives a foul, sometimes a card, but even in defeat we proved that we are a great group, a real family and believed to the end.”

Spain caused Italy the most problems at UEFA EURO 2020, although that was eventually decided on penalties, so Pellegrini was asked if La Roja are at a more advanced stage right now?

“They have had this style of football for many years, but I didn’t see Spain superior to Italy tonight. Even down to 10 men, we had our say. They are good at keeping the ball, but I see a bright future full of victories for Italy.”

Italy now feel they and Spain will be among the contenders for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

“I’m sure we’ll meet Spain again and we can’t wait.”

7 thought on “Pellegrini: ‘Spain not superior to Italy’”
  1. Sounds like Pellegrini is making it very clear he wants to be a big part of Italy’s future, especially in 13 months from now……and rightfully so!!

  2. Forza Lorenzo

    Gli Azzurri were handicapped by the toxic behavior surrounding the last 3 days of being in that city. Bad vibes set the tone and it was transmitted to the players.

    Still think a Captain has every right to speak to the Referee. Unless Boni said something, first card was bogus.

  3. @Dangerboy…

    I agree. I also think Mancini was correct when he stated that certain errors cannot be made at this level.

    1. The FiGC should schefule Azzurri home matches in Bergamo until Donnarumma returns to play in Seria A or until BBC a new San Sito stadium is constructed.

  4. The booing at Donnarumma was disgusting. He was playing for Italy, for goodness sake. What is their problem. He did what anybody would do and improve his livelihood. I hated them for what they were doing. Great keeper and I am proud of him. You could see that it got to him. Thank God that in the end they were not as bad. Forza Donnarumma, you are a great player. Please do not listen to these ungrateful idiots. They are cretins and not real Italian supporters.

  5. Would like to see Italy experiment with a 4-4-1-1, like Lippi used in WC 2006. I think it would suit the players we have and play more of them at the same time and I think it would become easily interchangeable and become a diamond 4-4-2 or 4-3-3.

    4-4-1-1

    Donnarumma

    Calabria
    Bonucci
    Chiellini
    Spinazzola

    Zaniolo
    Barella
    Locatelli
    Pellegrini

    Chiesa

    Kean

    4-4-2 (Diamond)
    Donnarumma

    Calabria
    Bonucci
    Chiellini
    Spinazzola

    Zaniolo
    Barella
    Locatelli (at the base of the diamond)
    Pellegrini (at the top of the diamond)

    Chiesa
    Kean

    4-3-3

    Donnarumma

    Calabria
    Bonucci
    Chiellini
    Spinazzola

    Zaniolo
    Locatelli
    Barella

    Chiesa
    Kean
    Pellegrini

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