Tonali Shoots Italy Past Belgium And Into Nations League Quarter-finals

Italy secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Belgium on Sunday, with Sandro Tonali scoring the winning goal.

Tonali's strike in the 74th minute proved decisive as Italy came from behind to earn a hard-fought victory. Yannick Carrasco had given Belgium the lead in the first half, but a Nicolo Barella equaliser just before the break had drawn the teams level.

Italy started the game brightly and should have taken the lead early on when Barella fired wide from close range. Belgium grew into the game and took the lead in the 37th minute when Carrasco latched onto a long ball over the top and fired past Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Mancini made a tactical change at half-time, introducing Federico Chiesa for Vincenzo Grifo, and it paid dividends as Italy equalised within two minutes of the restart. Barella was again involved, playing a one-two with Chiesa before firing into the bottom corner.

Italy continued to press for a winner and were rewarded when Tonali fired home from the edge of the area. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review overturned the decision.

Belgium pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages but were unable to find a way through Italy's defence. The victory means Italy will face Spain in the quarter-finals on June 21.

Italy will be confident of their chances of progressing to the semi-finals, having now won three of their four Nations League matches. Roberto Mancini's side are unbeaten in their last eight games and will be looking to continue their good form when they face Spain.

Belgium, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have been eliminated from the Nations League at the group stage. The defeat to Italy was their second in the competition, and they will now have to focus on their World Cup qualifying campaign.