Agency :
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 A-2.
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.
Belgium’s slim hopes of a berth in next March’s quarter-finals were ended by their failure to win.
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.