Italy end France's unbeaten run and go top; England reach knockouts

Italy end France's unbeaten run and go top; England reach knockouts The fifth round of the UEFA Nations League got underway on Thursday (12) with four matches. The games were in Groups 1 and 3. One of the highlights was England, who secured qualification for the tournament's knockout stage with a game to spare. In the day's marquee clash, Italy ended France's unbeaten run and overtook their European rivals at the top of the group. Türkiye 1–2 Belgium In the first game of the day, Belgium bounced back from defeat in the previous round to reclaim second place in Group 1, now with nine points. Türkiye remain bottom without a single point. Italy 3–1 France In the day's marquee clash, the Azzurri came from behind to win and take the lead in Group 1. Italy drew level with France on 10 points and a goal difference of four, but have scored more goals (10 to eight). Les Bleus, who had a chance to secure qualification early, will have to wait until the final round. Next Sunday (15), France host Türkiye in Bordeaux, while Italy visit Belgium. Both games are scheduled for 4:45 p.m. Brasília time. In a thrilling game at San Siro, France took the lead through Olise, but Francesco Esposito equalised before half-time. In the second half, his brother Sebastiano Esposito missed a penalty, but Frattesi put Italy ahead just minutes later. Late in the European showdown, Italy were awarded another penalty, and Francesco Esposito stepped up to "restore the family honour" and seal victory for the four-time world champions. Czechia 0–1 Spain Already through to the quarter-finals, La Roja did enough to secure victory thanks to a first-half penalty from Baena. After the break, Spain had a goal disallowed for offside against Pino, but Krejci was then sent off in the second half, leaving Czechia in a very difficult position. With a perfect record, Spain, who have not lost a match since March 2024, remain top of Group 3 with 15 points. Czechia remain bottom without a point. England 2–1 Croatia In the first half, Jude Bellingham provided a lovely assist for Morgan Rogers to open the scoring for England. After the break, Sucic equalised for Croatia. But Harry Kane, who else, sealed victory and qualification for England from the penalty spot. The final round, to be played next Sunday (15) at 4:45 p.m. Brasília time, will decide who finishes top of Group 3. England (12 points and a goal difference of 12) visit Spain (15 points and a goal difference of eight) at Atlético Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium. This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.