Tonali's Goal Sends Italy to Nations League Quarters, France Qualifies Despite Draw

Italy secured their spot in the Nations League quarter-finals with a narrow 1-0 win over Belgium, while France, despite a goalless draw against Israel, also advanced to the next stage thanks to the result in Brussels.

In Group A2, Italy's efficient performance led them to a crucial victory against Belgium, with Sandro Tonali's first-half goal proving to be the match-winner. The goal came in the 11th minute after Giovanni Di Lorenzo's clever assist, allowing Tonali to score from close range.

The 24-year-old Tonali, who is currently serving a 10-month suspension for betting on football matches, had missed Italy's disappointing Euro 2024 campaign in Germany. His suspension, which included betting on games involving his former club AC Milan, kept him out of action for Italy last summer.

The result in Brussels not only gave Italy three points but also guaranteed them a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. Their next match, against France on Sunday, will determine the top spot in Group A2, with Italy holding a three-point lead over the French.

"We showed again that we give it a go and don't just sit back in matches, that's the big change," Tonali told RAI. "There's a great atmosphere in the squad and we all look forward to getting back together again every time the international break finishes."

Under coach Luciano Spalletti, Italy have been unbeaten since the Euros, with their only draw in the Nations League group stage coming against Belgium last month after playing over half the match with 10 men.

In contrast, Belgium's chances of advancing to the quarter-finals were effectively ended after the loss to Italy. They are now six points behind France in third place in the group, with just one match left to play.

Meanwhile, France, despite struggling to create chances in their 0-0 draw with Israel at the Stade de France, secured their place in the quarter-finals. The match took place under heavy security following clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans in Amsterdam during the previous week's Europa League match.

The French team managed 25 attempts on goal, but only two shots forced Israel's goalkeeper Daniel Peretz into significant saves, first from Warren Zaire-Emery and later from Christopher Nkunku during added time. France's lack of offensive sharpness in the match was evident, but they still managed to finish top of Group A2, with a three-point cushion over Belgium.

Israel, who held on for a point in their first-ever Nations League game at the top tier, are still searching for their first victory in the competition.

With the group stage now concluded, Italy and France are set to face off in Milan on Sunday for the top spot, while Belgium will conclude their Nations League campaign in a must-win match against Israel.