Spain and Italy level atop group as are Spain and Ireland
(WorldNews Italy)

Halfway through European qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, there is little to divide some of the teams. Spain and Italy continued their tense battle for top spot in their group with comfortable victories on Friday. The two countries remained tied atop Group G after Spain defeated Israel 4-1 in Gijon, while Italy beat Albania 2-0 in Palermo in a match halted for nearly nine minutes after Albania fans threw flares onto the pitch. Serbia and Ireland are also level on points at the top of Group D. Serbia won 3-1 at Georgia to move top on goal difference after Ireland was held to a goalless draw by 10-man Wales. Croatia moved three points clear of Iceland in Group I after beating Ukraine 1-0 for...