(Football news) Italy finished 3rd behind France and Spain in the UEFA Nations League after defeating Belgium. After the Euro triumph, Roberto Mancini has guided Italy to a respectable 3rd place finish in the Nations League making them firm favourites in the World Cup next year.

The first half much like the final was a goalless stalemate. Thibaut Courtois pulled off a few good saves including a one vs once against the in-form Federico Chiesa. Belgium did come close to taking the lead when Alexis Saelemaekers hit the bar. Italy were the better side as they created more chances and were also much more effective with the ball. 

Also read: France comeback from a goal down to defeat Spain in the UEFA Nations League final

The second half started with a bang as Nicola Barella scored a volley to break the deadlock just 1 minute after the restart. Belgium weren't able to create chances so Roberto Martinez finally brought on Kevin De Bruyne. Minutes later Michy Batshuayi fired a shot past Donnarumma which hit the crossbar again. Italy extended their lead in the 63rd minute after Chiesa won a penalty for Domenico Berardi to score.

Belgium created three very good chances, one of which again hit the woodwork. Charles De Ketelaere pulled a goal back in the 86th minute. Italy managed the game well to protect their advantage and won the game. Roberto Martinez' Belgium have been number 1 in the World rankings for 3 years but have failed to win any trophy. Although they were missing Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard, the performance was not up to the standard.