—- Italy and France have secured their places in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals with a game to spare.

The Azzurri beat Belgium 1-0 with Sandro Tonali scoring his first international goal. The Newcastle midfielder netted from six yards from Giovanni di Lorenzo’s pass in Brussels.

Belgium went close to an equaliser with Wout Faes’ header from Leandro Trossard’s cross hitting the post.

France will also play in the quarter-finals in March after a goalless draw with Israel.

Les Bleus failed to score with any of their 24 shots, Israel keeper Daniel Peretz making eight saves.

A crowd of only 15,000 attended the match in the Stade de France after security and safety concerns. Police were called to intervene after violence among fans which was blamed by home supporters on Israelis.

Italy and France play on Sunday with top spot up for grabs. The Israel v Belgium game will decide who is relegated automatically and who faces a relegation-promotion play-off.

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