Spurs loan watch: Tough night in Italy | OneFootball

On Thursday evening, there was UEFA Nations League quarter final action for the side of two Tottenham Hotspur players – as Guglielmo Vicario and Destiny Udogie’s Italy side hosted Germany at the San Siro, for the first of a two legged tie. This is the first time the competition has had a quarter final stage. Was just thinking football needed more games.

As expected, Vicario was on the bench, with Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma preferred instead. However, Udogie got the nod to start as the left wing back in manager Luciano Spalletti’s 352 formation.

How things went for Tottenham Hotspur duo in the Nations League

After just nine minutes of the game, Italy took the lead, after some build up down the left side from Udogie and Alessandro Bastoni, the play was switched and they scored from a cutback. That goal was enough to give the Italians a lead heading into the half time interval.

However, four minutes after half time, Germany equalised. As the game was in the balance for a while, the visitors then completed the turnaround by taking the lead with just under a quarter of an hour of the game to play.

From there, they would see the game out, condemning Italy to a 2-1 defeat in the first leg at home, a very frustrating night from an Italian point of view.

In terms of Udogie himself, he played the 90 minutes, recording; 72 touches, one shot blocked, 2/2 aerial duels won, two fouls drawn, two clearances, one blocked shot, and one interception. With first choice left wing back, Federico Dimarco of Inter Milan injured, the likelihood is that the Spurs defender will start the return leg in Germany.

Feels fair to say that the 22-year old has divided opinion within the Spurs fanbase this season. He started the season very well, but since his first injury has not looked the same. To an extent, being overplayed, combined with the intense style of play has definitely played a part. However, just in general possession he has looked a lot sloppier than he did in his first season and at the start of this campaign.

Safe to say it will take a big performance from Italy to turn around the tie in that game. To lose at home is pretty tough to take. Nevertheless, they will have that chance on Sunday, at 19:45 GMT, so let’s see.