Sandro Tonali tapped in an early goal to hand Italy a 1-0 away win over Belgium in the Nations League on Thursday that consolidated their top place in Group A2.
Tonali scored his first goal for Italy and could have had another in an impressive performance at the King Baudouin Stadium although Belgium gave as good as they got in a fast-paced game.
Tonali took full advantage of Giovanni di Lorenzo’s pass after a slip by Belgian defender Maxim De Cuyper in the 11th minute to give Italy an early lead they never relinquished despite a strong finish by the hosts.
The result moved Italy up to 13 points in the standings, three above France who were held to a home draw by Israel in Paris at the same time.
Belgium’s slim hopes of a berth in next March’s quarter-finals were ended by their failure to win.
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The injury-hit home side did keep Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma busy after weathering Italy’s first half dominance.
Tonali might have had the visitors 2-0 up on the stroke of half-time but had a half chance blocked after being set up by Andrea Cambiaso.
Belgium looked much sharper from the start of the second half although Italy had more chances to extend their lead.
Mateo Retegui was free on the counter attack nine minutes after the break but denied by a one-handed stop from Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels.
Straight after, there was a scramble in the Belgian box that eventually saw defender Wout Faes clear.
