Italy 0 Portugal 0: Fernando Santos’ side qualify for Uefa Nations League finals after grinding out draw

PORTUGAL are the first country to qualify for the Uefa Nations League finals next summer after grinding out a 0-0 draw with Italy at the San Siro.

Fernando Santos' side were on the back foot for the majority of the match, but got the result they needed in the Group A3 game.

Italy had their chances throughout the encounter, but were unable to get past Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio who made a number of key saves.

The Euro 2016 winners will play relegated Poland in their final group game, knowing the result will have no consequence on their final position.

But they will know they were fortunate to come away with a point, after Italy spurned a number of key chances in the opening 45 minutes.

Lorenzo Insigne forced Patricio into a smart stop in the sixth minute, before Ciro Immobile fired over the rebound from close range.

Alessandro Florenzi then wasted an opportunity a minute later, before referee Danny Makkelie waved away Italy's calls for a penalty after Cristiano Biraghi tumbled over.

Patricio then kept out Immobile in the 35th minute as the Lazio striker bared down on goal, before Leonardo Bonucci somehow headed wide from a free-kick.

Italy began to fade in the second half, and would have conceded a late goal if not for the outstretched arms of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The AC Milan shot-stopper expertly denied William Carvalho's rasping left-footed drive from creeping in the bottom corner in what proved to be the final chance of the match.