Italy played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Belgium in the Nations League on Thursday night at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Blues made an ideal start to the home match as Andrea Cambiaso delivered a breakthrough with less than a minute on the clock.
They doubled their advantage in the 24th minute when Cambiaso’s shot was saved but Mateo Retegui netted a rebound.
However, things dramatically changed in the favour of Belgium after Lorenzo Pellegrini received his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on Arthur Theate.
The visitors quickly made their numerical advantage count as Maxim de Cuyper reduced the deficit with a fine finish from Leandro Trossard’s ball three minutes before the interval.
Trossard got on the scoresheet himself in the second-half as Belgium held out for a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.
Italy will be disappointed with the result but despite the stalemate, they are still top of their Nations League group with seven points.
Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali started in central midfield for the Blues and produced an impressive display.
He was on the pitch for 80 minutes and completed 26 of his 30 passes (87 percent).
The 24-year-old won all his ground duels and had 42 touches in the match. He also registered two tackles, two clearances as well as an interception.
Manager Eddie Howe initially started Tonali on the bench after his return from suspension, but the English boss has featured him from the beginning in their previous two league fixtures against Manchester City and Everton.
Stats from Sofascore
