Italy are assured of a World Cup play-off place after Belgium's dramatic victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday.
The Azzurri, who will be one of eight teams to contest the UEFA play-offs in a bid to reach next year's tournament in Russia, became certain of finishing second in Group G on Friday.
That was a result of Spain winning at 3-0 at home to Albania, while Italy slumped to a 1-1 draw against Macedonia in Turin.
But Italy were not assured of a spot in the play-offs until Belgium's thrilling 4-3 win in Sarajevo ensured there is no way Bosnia-Herzegovina, currently the bottom-ranked second-place side, can catch them.
In a complex system that sees results against each group's bottom side removed in a league table, eight of the best nine runners-up reach the play-offs.
Of those eight sides, the four to win their ties will join the nine group winners and hosts Russia as Europe's representatives at the tournament.
Italy are bidding to qualify for a 14th consecutive World Cup, having not failed to do so since 1958.
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player
