ITALY FIGHT 'LIKE LIONS' TO PROGRESS

They seal Nations League q-final berth with Belgium win; frustrated France through too

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PARIS - Italy qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Belgium on Nov 14, which also guaranteed France a spot in the last eight despite a lacklustre display in a 0-0 draw with Israel under tight security in Paris.

In Brussels, the Italians were economical as they edged out Belgium in Group A2.

The visitors dominated the early stages and scored after 11 minutes.

A cross from fullback Giovanni di Lorenzo deflected into the path of Sandro Tonali for a tap-in.

Belgium's best chance came when centre back Wout Faes hit the post with a second-half header.

"We showed again that we give it a go and don't just sit back in matches, that's the big change," Tonali told Italian broadcaster 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."

Luciano Spalletti's team, who have been rejuvenated over the course of the Nations League group stage, are unbeaten since the European Championship in June.