Daily Mail player ratings for Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca as West Ham United duo feature in Italy v England
The Daily Mail has delivered a disappointing review of Declan Rice and Gianluca Scamacca after the West Ham pair featured in last night’s Nations League clash between Italy and England.
Giacomo Raspadori’s second-half strike was enough for Italy to continue England’s dreadful run of form and condemn Gareth Southgate’s side to Nations League relegation.
Rice played the whole game and Scamacca was replaced five minutes before Italy’s winner by Leeds United forward Willy Gnonto.
The Mail was less than complimentary of both West Ham men in their player ratings [24 September].
They wrote: “West Ham’s summer signing [Scamacca] had the best of Italy’s first-half opportunities but showed little composure in front of goal. 6.5.
“Like many of his teammates, [Rice] made a slow start to the game. He improved – but not enough to shake England out of their current malaise. 6.”
Poor start overall
It has proven to be a difficult start to the season for both players on a domestic and international front. Scamacca does need to find his shooting boots and Rice needs to rediscover his consistent self once again.
Last night Scamacca showed plenty of moments of quality, particularly with his link-up play and neat touches in and around the box. He has shown that he is far more than a target man since his move to the Premier League, but ultimately goals are what he is going to be judged upon, particularly after his prolific spell at Sassuolo in Serie A.
For Rice, it’s time for the 23-year-old to adapt and showcase his undoubted quality during one of the more difficult spells of his career.
It will take time for West Ham’s new signings to adapt to their surroundings at the London Stadium, and the Hammers’ current crop of players will have to adjust to the new arrivals.
However, it’s concerning that their international stars aren’t quite hitting the heights expected of them when they’re away from the London Stadium.
The duo were also given disappointing ratings by Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport after their displays at the San Siro.