Football

World Cup 2022 qualifiers: Moise Kean scores twice as Italy extend unbeaten run

European champions Italy became the first national team to go 37 games without defeat as they thrashed Lithuania in a 2022 World Cup qualifier.

There were suggestions the Azzurri had broken the record during last Sunday’s goalless draw with Switzerland but Roberto Mancini’s side ended any doubt, with Everton’s Moise Kean – on loan at Juventus – scoring twice.

Giovanni di Lorenzo, Giacomo Raspadori and Edgaras Utkuse’s own goal sealed Italy’s first win since Euro 2020.

Some had claimed Italy had already secured the longest unbeaten streak by a national team at the weekend – but Brazil disputed the suggestion.

They insist they also went 36 games unbeaten between 1993 and 1996, with the confusion surrounding a match during that run against a Romania B side.

Italy, however, made that debate meaningless as they scored four times inside the first 30 minutes in a match for the first time in their history.

Mancini’s side have not been defeated for three years since losing to Portugal in a Nations League match on 10th September 2018.

The Azzurri are six points clear at the top of Group C with four games remaining – although second-placed Switzerland have two games in hand.

COURTESY

Related Post
Share
Published by
Elizabeth Ngirau

Recent Posts

PSG could leave Parc des Princes after mayor turns down sale

French champions exploring ‘alternative options’ after Paris mayor says Parc des Princes is not for… Read More

January 17, 2023

A billion spent by Manchester United and they still trail Man City

Manchester United and Manchester City will clash this Saturday but who has spent more over… Read More

January 13, 2023

Nathan Jones hits back at his critics after Manchester City win

Nathan Jones: "I don't know if I changed perceptions. Within 10 minutes of the Brighton… Read More

January 12, 2023

Rashford double helps Man Utd past Charlton | Ten Hag: We are progressing

Man Utd beat League One side Charlton 3-0 at Old Trafford to reach the Carabao… Read More

January 11, 2023

Arsenal could face a huge FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester City at the Etihad

FA Cup fourth round could see Arsenal away to Manchester City; Gunners must beat Oxford… Read More

January 9, 2023

Gunners miss chance to go 10 points clear in stalemate

Arsenal are left frustrated by Newcastle's superb defence; Mikel Arteta's team are now eight points… Read More

January 4, 2023