Belgium 0-1 Italy: Sandro Tonali clinches away win to ship Italy by means of to UEFA Nations League knockouts – Eurosport

Italy are by means of to the UEFA Nations League knockout phases for the third match in a row after sustaining their unbeaten report within the competitors with a 1-0 win over Belgium.

The guests had been dominant from the primary whistle, and it was no shock once they took the lead 11 minutes in as Sandro Tonali tapped residence his first worldwide purpose.

It was not till after half-time that The Pink Devils began to seek out their ft from an attacking sense, as Arne Engels, Zeno Debast and Leandro Trossard all tried their luck from outdoors the realm.

Mateo Retegui was then denied on the different finish by an excellent save, earlier than Trossard noticed a hooked volley from the sting of the field tipped across the put up.

The closing phases had been simply as hectic, with Belgium making a string of openings, just for Romelu Lukaku to move broad and see one other shot blocked, earlier than Wout Faes hit the put up as Italy clung on for a giant victory.

Italy have felt like an all-or-nothing nation of late. They gained Euro 2020, however solely made the last-16 this summer season and have missed successive World Cups.

With Luciano Spalletti on the helm, it does really feel like one thing is constructing as his younger facet breezed by means of to the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

Belgium aren’t a simple group to play, not to mention beat, however Gli Azzurri did so impressively, controlling the sport in midfield and defending stoutly.

That’s now 9 wins from their final 15 internationals, shedding simply twice.

The goalkeeper had nothing to do within the first half, however he got here into his personal after the break.

Belgium had been banging on the door in the beginning and finish of the interval, however discovered the Paris Saint-Germain man constantly of their means.

He made a string of advantageous saves, but additionally claimed some difficult crosses, en path to holding a useful clear sheet.

BELGIUM: Casteels 7; Castagne 7, Debast 6, Faes 7, Theate 6; Trossard 7, Engels 7, Onana 6, De Cuyper 7; Openda 5, Lukaku 6. Subs: Al Dakhil 6, Vermeeren 6, Lukebakio n/a, Bakayoko n/a

ITALY: Donnarumma 8; Di Lorenzo 7, Buongiorno 7, Bastoni 7; Cambiaso 6, Frattesi 7, Rovella 6, Tonali 7, Dimarco 7; Barella 7, Retegui 7. Subs: Udogie 6, Kean 6, Raspadori n/a, Locatelli n/a

11’ GOAL! BELGIUM 0-1 ITALY (Sandro Tonali). It has been coming! A fantastically constructed Italy assault, that sees them work the ball out to the suitable wing. Gioavanni Di Lorenzo is on the top of a one-two, persevering with his run into the field, and he slides an inviting low cross to Sandro Tonali, who simply has to poke into an empty web. So simple as that.

51’ DEBAST DENIED. That is extra prefer it from Belgium. Zeno Debast forces Donnarumma into his first save of the night time with a fierce 25-yard drive that’s nicely caught by the goalkeeper

55’ CASTEELS KEEPS IT AT 1-0! Wow! Out of nowhere, a speedy Italy assault at Retegui will get in behind, however Casteels stands tall and makes a wonderful save together with his outstretched left palm

83’ FAES HITS THE POST! Oh my! Belgium are banging on the door. From the ensuing nook, Faes will get a flick on that cannons into the woodwork! Italy are hanging on!

• That is the primary time Belgium have failed to attain in a house recreation within the UEFA Nations League
• Italy stay unbeaten in aggressive matches towards Belgium since 1972, profitable 5 of the seven outings within the 52 years since that European Championship assembly