Ronaldo-less Portugal get off to a winning start in Nations League after beating Italy 1-0. Andre Silva outshines excellent Gianluigi Donnarumma to seal the win.
Match Events
4' Carvalho's header wide out
Portugal go short from the resulting corner before a delightful pass is clipped into the middle by Neves to Carvalho, who has acres of room but cannot hit the target with his header and has his blushes saved by the linesman's flag.
20' SAVE! Donnarumma denies Andre Silva's shot
SAVE! First shot on target for Portugal as Italy once again concede possession sloppily but Andre Silva's curled effort from just inside the box is easily collected by Donnarumma.
26' Bernardo Silva's shot cleared by Romagnoli at the goal-line
OFF THE LINE! Portugal inches away from an opening goal! Donnarumma fails to grab Carvalho's header out of the air and it falls kindly to Bernardo Silva, who drills a shot at goal but has his attempt hooked away by Romagnoli.
31' Mario Rui hits the bar after deflection
OFF THE BAR! Portugal come close again as Rui drills a fierce ball into the middle that Cristante deflects up into the air and bounces back off the frame of the goal.
35' CHANCE! Carvalho's attempt from distance skims the far post
WIDE! Portugal come close again as Carvalho drills a low effort towards the left of Donnarumma but it whistles past the wrong side of the post.
48' GOAL! Portugal 1-0 Italy (Andre Silva)
GOAL! 1-0 Portugal! Italy's defence is exposed once again as Bruma leads the charge and his ball finds it's way to Andre Silva, who shifts onto his left foot and fires past Donnarumma into the far corner.
59' SAVE! Donnarumma fingertips Bernado Silva's shot out
WHAT A SAVE! Bernardo Silva unleashes a fierce strike that looks destined to find the top corner but Donnarumma tips the ball over the bar with a stunning save.
67' Donnarumma denies Pizzi in two attempts
SAVE! Portugal continue to threaten and Donnarumma is again called into action, diving down low to palm away Pizzi's driven effort and then bouncing on the loose ball.
Match reports
Andre Silva stepped up and scored the decisive goal in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, as Portugal began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Italy to take control of League A's Group 3.
Fernando Santos accepted Ronaldo's request to be rested and, while there may have been some pre-match trepidation about their chances without the Juventus star, Portugal went on to dominate Italy in Lisbon.
Roberto Mancini's men rode their luck in the first half, relying on a goal-line clearance from Andrea Romagnoli and the frame of the goal to keep them on level terms.
But Portugal found a way through just after the break – lively Sevilla striker Andre Silva producing a neat finish after a devastating Bruma-inspired counter - and that proved to be winning goal.
Italy looked every inch a team which featured nine alterations from their last outing, as Portugal looked the more coherent and carved them open in the 14th minute, only for Bernardo Silva to play a poor pass into the danger zone instead of shooting.
Romagnoli then had to be alert just before the half-hour mark, clearing Bernardo Silva's effort off the line after Andre Silva made a nuisance of himself.
Italy were fortunate again a few moments later – Mario Rui's low cross deflecting off Bryan Cristante and coming back off the crossbar.
Portugal's persistence finally paid off three minutes into the second half, with Andre Silva curling into the bottom corner after Bruma's low cross was deflected into his path.
Bernardo Silva tested Gianluigi Donnarumma with a stinging drive soon after, one of few second-half opportunities, despite Portugal's dominance.
Yet, Italy rarely threatened to restore parity and Portugal secured a deserved victory.
48' GOAL! Portugal 1-0 Italy (Andre Silva)
Line-ups
Portugal XI: Pepe, Rui Patrício, Pizzi, Mário Rui, Bruma, William Carvalho, Cancelo, André Silva, Rúben Neves, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva
Subs: Beto, Neto, Sérgio Oliveira, Cláudio Ramos, Cédric Soares, Mendes, Gelson Martins, Gonçalo Guedes, Bruno Fernandes, R.Sanches, Gedson Fernandes
Italy XI: D. Criscito, Bonaventura, Immobile, Zaza, Jorginho, B. Cristante, Romagnoli, Lazzari, Caldara, G. Donnarumma, Chiesa
Subs: Bonucci, Chiellini, S. Sirigu, M. Perin, Insigne, Emerson, Benassi, Belotti, Berardi, Gagliardini, Bernardeschi, Barella
yimin
142
André Silva has scored 13 goals in his first 28 matches for Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 9 goals in his first 28 matches with the national team. We now could have expected more from Portugal young players.
ArnoHaoseb
117
Portugal were outstanding, just loving football and counter attacking. Donnarumma proof that he can be world class and that he is the rightful air to buffons thrown.
Ismitty
93
what's wrong with the Azurri They need changes This not like them
ficcdkorsu
83
The Azurri should be like this, is a shame that a team who was feared in all competitions it participated, now is the laughing stock of Europe. I don't know where the true Italy is but this one ain't it! [Cry][Cry][Cry][Cry]
LovePSG
80
What do we learn from playing Zaza and Immobile together? 1. We already know neither are good enough at the top level. 2. We would never play them together in a tournament as they are too similar. Waste of time.
Carlcrain
77
taly realized that must first protect the shaky castle, and that is already something. But the level is almost embarrassing, some mistakes from players aren't acceptable, and manager could fix his picks. Portugal dominating but with scoring issues.
vasbikstz
63
easy to kick a team when they are down ! But they are very very poor at the moment .manager not what I hoped he would be ! trying not to lose rather than all out attack ! they have nothing to lose please Mr manager be adventurous not boring .Italy is dying ,kick out 50 per cent of foreigners and put kids in at least if we lose it's with our Italian players viva Italia .
nowtry
62
Only 4 victories in the last 14 matches of Italy: against Liechtenstein, against Israel, against Abania and against Saudi Arabia. Portugal wins 2 matches in a row with Italy (1-0 Geneva / 2015 and 1-0 Lisbon / 2018) for the FIRST TIME in its history.
U.S.A1672910
60
Everyone here saying bad comments about Italy first thing Italy going through a change of generation players second thing yes Italy midfield needs work third thing Italy was playing Portugal not a easy team to beat ok -you guys act like Italy was playing a sub par team -Portugal are euro champs give them some respect Portugal has lots of talent on their team but Italy will bounce back-again lots of comments from people thinking Portugal is a pushover lol unreal -I guess European champs means nothing it’s not like Italy was playing Andorra
Sterzil
47
TBH I never expected such a great performance from Portugal I expected Italy to win with the talents they had... Anyway am glad with the result Portugal dominated both halves they were a very brilliant team always pushing forward, Italy were showing some sign of progress in the ending minutes 😔 😔 more work needs to be done the coach needs to improve the team... Good Luck next time and Congrats to Portugal it was a well deserved victory 👍 👊
Ngamcha
41
This Italian they really don't deserve a spot in the world cup. it's a shame,where are all the midfields the Portuguese outrun all of them. I see Portugal player on the field. midfield too weak where the hell is their striker they are not danger at all. I thought Serie A is good but this Italian player.what the hell.
BAPPSPAULO
35
nice one Andre Silva you are gradually getting into top form your goal was decisive and your performances were fantastic you have to keep this amazing form Italy also played good football but lacked good finish while Portugal showed they pose a big threat from the start of the game it was a fantastic match nice one Andre Silva.