UEFA Nations League: 5 games worth watching

#2 Italy vs Portugal

Jorginho and Bernardo Silva: Possibly the match-up that would decide the game

Date and Venue: San Siro, 18th November 2018, 1:15 AM IST

Italy might no longer be the powerhouses that they once used to be in football. But still, they are a team who boasts a huge array of talents. Roberto Mancini's appointment as head coach gives hope to the Italian team to reach the heights that they once achieved.

However, Italy has struggled since his appointment with the results. It is not that they lack talent. They boast the talents of two great deep-lying midfielders in Veratti and Jorginho. If operated in a double pivot that could turn into a lethal duo. Their defense is good. They have Chiellini, Bonucci, and Barzagli to operate at the back.

Also, they have the likes of Romagnoli and Florenzi to play at the back. The forward line has good players. Immobile, Graziano Pelle and Simone Zaza are moderately good. Italy can build a good team with this core.

Portugal will miss star-forward Cristiano Ronaldo but his absence won't be felt. Andre Silva's performances at the front of the pitch are fabulous as of late. Renato Sanches and Bernardo Silva will be martial the midfield. Bernardo is turning into a wonderful midfield player under Pep. They have great young defenders in Cancelo, Fonte, Guerrero, and Soares. Apart from Andre Silva, Goncalo Guedes is a great forward.

The match will be a great affair between two young midfield players. Bernardo against Jorginho will probably be a game-decider. Portugal won the previous game by a 1-0 margin. In Italy, things could be very different, because Italian grounds are tough to win away.