Portugal qualify for Nations League semis with 0-0 draw in Italy

ByReuters

Published 17/11/2018 at 21:45 GMT

MILAN, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Portugal became the first team to qualify for the Nations League semi-finals when they held on for a goalless draw away to Italy on Saturday to make sure of top spot in Group Three in the competition's top tier.

Eurosport

Image credit: Eurosport

Italy dominated the first hour and Portugal were rescued by goalkeeper Rui Patricio who twice denied Ciro Immobile when the forward looked set to score. He also saved Lorenzo Pellegrini's header from close range in stoppage time.

Portugal have seven points from three games in the three-team group, two ahead of Italy who have finished their campaign. Poland, who visit Portugal for the group's final game on Tuesday, have one point and have already been relegated.

It was the second time in a year that Italy were eliminated from a competition by a 0-0 draw at the San Siro, having failed to qualify for this year's World Cup following the same result against Sweden last November.

Europa League