Italy edged out Hungary in the Nations League final with a convincing win over the hosts in Budapest.
Marco Rossi’s Hungarian side needed only a draw to reach the last four of the competition at the Puskas Arena.
However, a defensive lapse allowed Giacomo Raspadori to slot the ball into an empty net and put Italy ahead.
Federico DiMarco sealed victory for the European champions after the break when he tapped in Brian Cristiant’s cross.
The result means Italy top Group A3 with 11 points from six games, one point above Hungary, Germany third and England fourth.
It also marked Italy’s first win in Budapest since 1996 and goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was called upon to make several excellent late saves as Roberto Mancini’s side ran out worthy winners.
Italy, who failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, will join Croatia and the Netherlands in next June’s final tournament, with Spain and Portugal competing for the last available place in Braga on Tuesday.
