Tonali's winner vs. Belgium sends Italy, France to Nations League quarters
Italy ensured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a victory over Belgium on Thursday that also guaranteed France a place in the last-eight despite a lacklustre display in a scoreless draw with Israel under tight security in Paris.
In Brussels, Italy were economical as they beat Belgium 1-0 in Group A2.
The visitors dominated the early stages and scored after 11 minutes. Slick play by fullback Giovanni Di Lorenzo set up Sandro Tonali for a tap in.
The 24-year-old was hit with a 10-month suspension in October last year for betting on football matches, including those involving his old team AC Milan while he was still playing for them.
That ban cost Tonali the chance to play a part in Italy's awful Euros title defence in Germany, where the Azzurri were dumped out in the last 16 by Switzerland.
Tonali's strike was crucial as Italy were guaranteed a spot in the last eight with a draw either against the Red Devils or with France on Sunday night.
Italy lead France by three points at the top of Group A2 and will battle with Les Bleus for first place at the San Siro.
"We showed again that we give it a go and don't just sit back in matches, that's the big change," Tonali told RAI.
"There's a great atmosphere in the squad and we all look forward to getting back together again every time the international break finishes."
Luciano Spalletti's team, who have been rejuvenated over the course of the Nations League group stage, are unbeaten since the Euros and only drew with Belgium last month after having to play over half the match in Rome with 10 men.
Domenico Tedesco's Belgium meanwhile are six points behind second-placed France with one game remaining and cannot reach the quarters after winning only against Israel.
At the Stade de France, tentative France struggled to create and take chances as they drew 0-0 with Israel before a sparse and grumbling crowd at the Stade de France.
The game took place under heavy security after clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans following a Europa League match in Amsterdam last week.
On Thursday, it took until the 20th minute for captain N'Golo Kante, jinking into the six-yard box to force a first save from goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
Israel almost pounced after 35 minutes when centre back Raz Shlomo stole in unmarked at the far post, but missed the ball completely as he tried to side-foot home.
France managed 25 attempts on goal but Peretz had to make only two diving saves in the second half, first from Warren Zaire-Emery and then in added time from Christopher Nkunku.
Israeli hung on for their first point in the Nations League top tier.