There was no Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal squad, which paved the way for new players as Gedson Fernandes, Sergio Oliveira, Claudio Ramos and Pedro Mendes to be involved in the matchday squad.
Prior to the game, Pepe was honoured by the Portuguese FA for earning his 100th cap for his country. Chances were sparse in the first half, and this was epitomised in the 20th minute with a series of Mexican waves racing around Benfica’s Estádio da Luz - which speaks volume.
The main talking point of the first half was referee Willie Collum denying the hosts a penalty. Collum, who referees in the Scottish Premier League referee, who was heavily criticised by Steven Gerrard after Rangers’ Old Firm defeat and he appeared to have missed a blatant penalty, as Pizzi was intentionally blocked by Criscito. Pizzi tried to play a one-two with his team-mate, however Criscito looked to change his course in order to block the Benfica player’s run. In Collum’s defence, his view was impeded, however the Portuguese players and fans were incensed that the assistant referee failed to spot the foul. If it was anywhere else on the pitch it would have been a foul.
Portugal made a strong start to the second half as Andre Silva scored Portugal's first ever UEFA Nations League goal. Sevilla striker Andre Silva finished brilliantly after a decisive break from Portugal lead by Bruma. The RB Leipzig midfielder did brilliantly to run 20 yards with the ball before finding Andre Silva, who did well cut inside onto his left foot and finished brilliantly past 19-year-old Donnarruma. It looked like Bruma had wasted the chance by delaying his pass, however Silva took just one touch and found the bottom corner brilliantly. The goal was Andre Silva's 13th for Portugal, the reigning European Champions.
Portugal continued to pile the pressure on Roberto Mancini’s Italian side, and the visitors needed their goalkeeper to be on fine form. Donnarumma made a great stop flying away to his right to keep out Bernardo Silva's effort five minutes after the goal, with the hosts sensing Italy’s defensive vulnerability.
Roberto Mancini tried to plot a route back into the game late on with the introduction of Domenico Berardi, however the Sassuolo player was unable to find the scoresheet.
Italy fell to defeat, meaning that their chances of topping group 3 of the UEFA Nations League are all but finished, following ‘Azzuri’s’ 1-1 draw at home to Poland in Bologna.