UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Italy beat Hungary 2-1 to claim FIRST Nations League win, Azzurri top Group 3 as Pellegrini scores the winner, Watch Italy beat Hungary HIGHLIGHTS

The European champions, who failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, held on for only their second victory from seven matches in what was the first meeting between the nations since August 2007.

UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Italy beat Hungary 2-1 to claim FIRST Nations League win, Azzurri top Group 3 as Pellegrini scores the winner, Watch Italy beat Hungary HIGHLIGHTS

Italy made a strong start as Mancini twice met Matteo Politano corners, but was denied by Denes Dibusz on both occasions. Gianluigi Donnarumma then got down well to block Roland Sallai’s fierce strike at the other end.

UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Azzurri top Group 3 as Pellegrini scores the winner

Dibusz was helpless as Italy broke through on the half-hour mark; Barella receiving the ball from Leonardo Spinazzola before firing into the top corner from 25 yards out. The hosts doubled their lead just before the break, when Politano’s square ball was swept home by Pellegrini at the far post.

Politano went close to adding a third within 10 minutes of the restart, rattling the crossbar from 20 yards out moments after Donnarumma kept out Sallai’s volley. Mancini gave Hungary hope in the 61st minute when he diverted Attila Fiola’s centre into his own net.

UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Italy beat Hungary 2-1 to claim FIRST Nations League win, Azzurri top Group 3 as Pellegrini scores the winner, Watch Italy beat Hungary HIGHLIGHTS

Sallai and Willi Orban also drew smart saves out of Donnarumma, but Italy were not to be denied all three points.

What does it mean? Italy go top

Italy followed up a draw with Germany in their Nations League opener by moving above Hungary into top spot.

With Germany held to a 1-1 draw at home to England, the Azzurri have a one-point advantage over Hungary.

Barella scores a beauty

Barella opened the scoring with a stunning long-range effort. It was the Inter midfielder’s eighth international goal – all of which have come under Mancini. No player has found the net more times for the Azzurri since Mancini took charge.

UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Italy beat Hungary 2-1 to claim FIRST Nations League win, Azzurri top Group 3 as Pellegrini scores the winner, Watch Italy beat Hungary HIGHLIGHTS

What’s next?

Italy face England in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final on Saturday, while Hungary host Germany on the same day.