Italy fails to capitalize in 0-0 draw with Portugal

Neither Inter Milan’s Matteo Politano or Roberto Gagliardini saw the pitch Saturday night as Italy held Portugal to a 0-0 draw in the Group A3 match up in the UEFA Nations League.

Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images

The draw means Portugal will take the top spot in the group as Italy was the only team who could overtake them. Poland will be relegated to the group below.

Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal have also earned a spot in the semi-finals of the Nations League and will likely host the Nations League finals in June 2019.

Neither team seemed to want to find the back of the net as even Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves and Andre Silva couldn’t muster much challenge to Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Donnarumma managed one save — from a long-distance blast off the foot of William Carvalho in the second half.

Despite holding 69 percent of the possession, Ciro Immobile, Lorenzo Insigne, Alessandro Florenzi nor Leonardo Bonucci could find the back of the net. Federico Chiesa had an attempt, but like all others, was brushed aside or was clearly off the mark.

Italy outshot Portugal 15-9 and had three shots on target to Portugal’s one.

The draw means Italy will stay in the top division of the Nations League.

The Italians will be in action Tuesday when they take on the United States in an international friendly at the Cristal Arena in Genk, Belgium. The United States lost 3-0 to England Thursday.

Slovakia defeats Ukraine

Inter defender Milan Skriniar featured for all 90 minutes as his Slovakia knocked off Andriy Shevcheko’s Ukraine, 4-1 at the Antona Malatinského Stadion in Trnava.

The Netherlands brush aside defending World Cup champs

Even though Stefan De Vrij didn’t play, the Netherlands dominated the defending World Cup champions, France, 2-0 in Rotterham.

Gini Wijaldum and Memphis Depuy each scored for the Oranje in the win.

Brazil beats Uruguay

Joao Miranda played all 90 minutes for Brazil and his Inter compatriot Matias Vecino played 85 for Uruguay as Brazil got the better of its South American neighbors 1-0 in London.

It was a penalty by Neymar that served as the deciding factor in the match, played at the Emirates Stadium.

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