Italy puts Belgium under pressure, France falls in Milan

Italy beat France 3-1 and puts the Red Devils under pressure. Belgium must win on Sunday to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals. With the win, Italy sits on ten points, the same as France.

Belgium must beat Italy to progress

The Red Devils have no room for error on Sunday. After the 1-2 victory in Turkey, Belgium must also beat Italy at the King Baudouin Stadium to reach the quarter-finals.

Belgium sits with nine points. Only the top two teams in the group advance, meaning Mark van Bommel’s side must win clearly against Italy. A draw yields nothing for Belgium; only a victory over Italy guarantees a ticket to the quarter-finals.

Contrasting scenarios for the Red Devils in the Nations League

Italy’s victory over France in Milan

The Squadra Azzurra sent France home with a 3-1 defeat in Milan on Saturday. France nevertheless had a strong start. Michael Olise put Les Bleus ahead in the tenth minute.

Sixteen minutes later Francesco Pio Esposito equalised. At half-time the score was 1-1. After the break Italy were awarded a penalty, but Sebastiano Esposito left it unused. Davide Frattesi put the Italians back in front three minutes later.

Philippe Albert urges Belgium to qualify for the Nations League

In the final stages Francesco Pio Esposito, from the spot, made it 3-1 and sealed the Italian victory. For Zinédine Zidane the defeat meant his first loss as France’s national team coach.