Portugal qualify for Nations League semis with 0-0 draw in Italy

Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - League A - Group 3 - Italy v Portugal - San Siro, Milan, Italy - November 17, 2018 Portugal's Mario Rui in action with Italy's Alessandro Florenzi as Italy coach Roberto Mancini looks on REUTERS/Alessandro Garofalo

MILAN (Reuters) - Portugal became the first team to qualify for the Nations League semi-finals when they held Italy 0-0 on Saturday, the second time in a year that the hosts have been knocked out of a competition following a goalless draw at the San Siro.

Italy, with defender Giorgio Chiellini making his 100th appearance, suffocated Portugal in the first hour with their pressing and created numerous openings with their intricate passing moves.