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28 March 2021 In Sofia in the qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup, Italy beats Bulgaria 2-0 and remains at the top of the group.



The coach Mancini lines up Belotti from 1 'with Chiesa and Insigne to complete the trident.

In defense, Acerbi plays in place of Chiellini in midfield Barella and the returning Sensi.

In Bulgaria, a tandem of attack consisting of Galabinov and Delev.



At 4 'first conclusion of Bulgaria with Galabinov who collects a throw-in from Tsvetanov and then after a combination in the area with Delev kicks towards Donnarumma who has no problems.

Italy responds in the 7th minute with Chiesa who finds himself in the area with a loose ball and is closed at the moment of the deviation by two Bulgarian defenders, protests by the Azzurri for an alleged penalty foul.

The Azzurri try the enveloping maneuver but the Bulgarian defense is careful, Insigne and Chiesa are very active.

At 33 'Italy tries from the left with Spinazzola who gains the bottom and puts a good ball for Insigne anticipated, however, by the Bulgarian defense.

The pressure at the end rewards and in the 43rd minute Dimov lands Belotti in the area, it is a penalty, perhaps generous, and the same 'Gallo' transforms for the blue advantage (for him 11th center in the national team).



The recovery begins along the lines of the first half with Italy trying to play the game but without too much energy and with little chance of finding space.

At 56 'Bulgaria becomes very dangerous with Karagaren who protests for a touch of hand in the blue area and then concludes, Donnarumma saves, but the action is judged on the off-side.

At 63 'another dubious action in the blue area with Belotti touched by Dimov.

At first the referee Vincic seems ready to whistle the penalty, but then he stops.

At 68 'Mancini replaces Florenzi with Di Lorenzo and Sensi with Locatelli.

At 72 'a Bulgarian defensive uncertainty launches Belotti who first hits the post, then shoots high.

Mancini also tries the Immobile cards for Belotti and Bernardeschi for Chiesa in the 76th minute.

The blue doubling arrives in the 82nd minute: Insigne receives from Verratti and serves Locatelli who beats Iliev with a right turn.

The Bulgarians fall apart and Immobile is dangerous on a couple of occasions and in the 92nd minute he forces Iliev to make a decisive detour.

Sufficient performance of the blues and result that does not disappoint.

For the Azzurri it is the first victory on Bulgarian soil.