Belgium impress against Italy and reach Nations League quarter-finals

Belgium beat Italy 4-1 on Sunday in their final Nations League group match. The victory sends coach Mark van Bommel's side into the quarter-finals as runners-up in Group B.

In Brussels, Senne Lammens made two fine saves during a lively start, but Italy struck on a swift counter-attack when Francesco Pio Esposito finished from close range.

Van Bommel's side hit back almost immediately. Maxim De Cuyper levelled from close range after Charles De Ketelaere played a clever pass inside the penalty area. Nathan Ngoy then fired into the roof of the net to put Belgium 2-1 up.

After a fine individual run, Jérémy Doku fired in Belgium's third, making the visitors' task even harder. The goal put the Red Devils top of Nations League Group A.

Kevin De Bruyne, who has been linked with PSV, struck the post shortly before half-time. At the other end, Niccolo Pisilli headed wide for Italy, who had little answer to Belgium after their strong start.

After the break, Belgium kept attacking. Youri Tielemans found De Bruyne, who shot narrowly wide, before De Ketelaere sent a powerful header against the bar. A fourth goal looked close, but Gianluigi Donnarumma made a fine save from the industrious De Bruyne.

De Cuyper went down in the box and Belgium appealed loudly for a penalty, but no spot-kick was awarded. Diego Moreira shot wide shortly afterwards.

In the closing stages, Van Bommel's side made it 4-1. Standout performer De Bruyne found Moreira, who picked out the bottom left corner. Esposito had the chance to salvage some pride, but missed a penalty in stoppage time. Moments later, offside denied Alphadjo Cisse a goal that would have made it 4-2.

Mika Godts came on in the final minute as the Red Devils rounded off an evening that earned them a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.