Sporting regular started, but struggled against Italy (1-0) | OneFootball

Georgios Vagiannidis, a Sporting player, was named in the starting eleven for the friendly Greece played against Italy in Crete. The match ended in a defeat for the home side (1-0), with Esposito scoring the only goal in the first half.

The green-and-white player, operating as a wing-back, ultimately failed to deliver a strong performance and was substituted in the 76th minute when he was replaced by forward Tetteh, at a stage of the match when the Greeks were trying everything to find an equaliser.

Although his future at the Alvalade club is still not guaranteed, the defender knows that at the end of this month he will have to report for duty at the Cristiano Ronaldo Academy. For now, however, he is about to begin his holiday period.

Signed from Greek side Panathinaikos, the right-back was one of the Lions’ signings in last summer’s transfer window. With a contract valid until 2030, the Greek has a release clause set at €80 million. This season, the 24-year-old made 32 appearances and provided seven assists.

With clubs interested - among them Villarreal - Sporting are not closing the door on a possible departure for the player. Despite not having established himself in Rui Borges's team, Vagiannidis wants to keep fighting for a place in the green-and-white side.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.