Italy were unable to make the most of their control as Portugal left Milan with a 0-0 draw which sees them progress in the Nations League.
2018/2019 UEFA Nations League
0-0
Match Events
34' CHANCE! Immobile's shot saved
A big chance for Italy as Immobile is sent one-on-one with Patricio! The Wolves keeper rushes out to keep the striker's shot out. That came just seconds after Italy had another penalty appeal turned down.
36' CHANCE! Bonucci's header wide out
Chiesa is taken out on the right edge of Portugal's area by Rui. Rui will now also miss Wednesday's match. Bonucci heads the ball into the net from the free kick but the goal is ruled out for an Italy infraction somewhere.
76' CHANCE! Carvalho's shot saved by Donnarumma
Portugal put some pretty passes together in Italy's penalty area and pressure the Azzurri into a rushed clearance. It falls to Carvalho on the edge of the area who forces Donnarumma in a save low to his right! Portugal corner.
Match Report
Italy played with intent from the start and should have taken the lead four minutes in, but Rui Patricio saved Lorenzo Insigne's long-range strike and Immobile inexplicably put the rebound over.
Portugal simply could not get near Jorginho nor Verratti, and the latter crafted a golden chance with a defence-splitting pass in the 35th minute, only for Patricio to rush out and thwart Immobile.
Leonardo Bonucci then went agonisingly close soon after, heading just wide from a Verratti free-kick.
Opportunities soon became less frequent and Italy had to rely on Gianluigi Donnarumma 14 minutes from time to keep the score level, as the goalkeeper made a remarkable save from William Carvalho's fierce 20-yard drive.
Line-ups
Italy XI: Bonucci, Chiellini, Immobile, Verratti, Insigne, Biraghi, Jorginho, Florenzi, Barella, G. Donnarumma, Chiesa
Subs: S. Sirigu, Acerbi, De Sciglio, Rugani, A. Cragno, Emerson, Politano, Berardi, V. Grifo, Gagliardini, L.Pellegrini, Lasagna
Portugal XI: José Fonte, Rui Patrício, Pizzi, Mário Rui, Bruma, William Carvalho, Cancelo, André Silva, Rúben Neves, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva
Subs: Beto, Éder, Neto, Cédric Soares, Danilo Pereira, Raphaël Guerreiro, João Mário, Rafa Silva, Gonçalo Guedes, Bruno Fernandes, R.Sanches