Hungary vs Italy

A place in the 2022/23 Nations League semi-finals is on the line as Hungary and Italy lock horns in a top-table Group A3 six-pointer at the Puskas Arena.

It all comes down to this fixture for the Nations League surprise package Hungary, who eked out a crucial 1-0 victory in Germany last time out to move to the top of Group A3. Despite entering this season’s tournament as outsiders, Marco Rossi’s men have defied the odds numerous times, including a thumping 4-0 win away to England on matchday four. Though the ‘Magyars’ deserve the benefit of the doubt after reeling off a series of eye-catching showings, it’s worth noting that their solitary Group A3 defeat came at the hands of Italy. In fact, the Hungarians have failed to win any of their seven historic meetings with ‘Gli Azzurri’ across various competitions (D2, L5). But after going unbeaten in both doubleheaders against Germany and England (W3, D1), they’ll be confident of turning their H2H fortunes around.

In the meantime, visiting Italy claimed an all-important 1-0 triumph over England a few days ago, courtesy of Giacomo Raspadori’s moment of brilliance midway through the second half. Not only have the Italians secured their elite Nations League status, but a victory in Budapest would catapult them into the semi-finals, which was unthinkable ahead of September’s international break. Indeed, Roberto Mancini’s men have hit a rough patch after lifting the Euro 2020 trophy, with their lacklustre form culminating with another failed attempt to qualify for the World Cup finals. Desperate to redeem themselves to the devastated nation, ‘Gli Azzurri’ will be out to defy their indifferent Group A3 form (W2, D2, L1) and settle the nerves of those at home.