Inter midfielder Joao Mario felt Italy were “excellent” at San Siro, but Portugal settled in the second half to earn a Nations League point.
The 0-0 draw means Portugal have mathematically won their group with a game to spare and go through to the Final Four.
“We took on an excellent team and knew this was going to be a difficult match,” Joao Mario told Sport TV.
Inter midfielder Joao Mario felt Italy were “excellent” at San Siro, but Portugal settled in the second half to earn a Nations League point.
The 0-0 draw means Portugal have mathematically won their group with a game to spare and go through to the Final Four.
“We took on an excellent team and knew this was going to be a difficult match,” Joao Mario told Sport TV.
“They dominated the first half, but we settled after the break and made it a more balanced encounter, picking up an important point.
“In a competition like this, you never go out looking for a draw. We were up against a very impressive opponent who deserve credit for the way they approached the game, but we achieved the qualification and that’s what we wanted.”
Joao Mario was particularly pleased to come off the bench and play at San Siro, the home of Inter and Milan.
“This is my ‘home’ in Italy, so I was very happy to play here with the Portugal jersey.”