Sandro Tonali’s first international goal propelled Italy to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels, securing the Azzurri’s spot in the Nations League quarter-finals.
In their last meeting, Italy had established a commanding 2-0 lead before a red card to Lorenzo Pellegrini allowed Belgium to equalize, resulting in a 2-2 draw. With Pellegrini suspended and injuries sidelining Samuele Ricci and Riccardo Calafiori, Italy made strategic changes, including Nicolò Rovella’s debut and Nicolò Barella’s return in a more advanced role.
Belgium also faced significant absences, missing key players like Charles De Ketelaere, Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Malick Fofana, and Joaquin Seys. However, they welcomed back Romelu Lukaku and opted for a 3-5-2 formation.
From the outset, Italy controlled the match, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo executing a well-timed give-and-go with Barella. He then delivered a low cross that allowed Tonali to score from close range. This goal was particularly significant as it marked Tonali’s first for the national team during his 20th appearance; he hadn’t scored since August 2023 while playing for Newcastle United.
As the match advanced, Belgium sought to respond. Timothy Castagne intercepted a dangerous pass intended for Federico Dimarco, while Tonali struggled to convert another promising opportunity. After halftime, both Engels and Leandro Trossard failed to capitalize on chances from outside the box, while Gianluigi Donnarumma made critical saves against long-range attempts.
Mateo Retegui had an opportunity to extend Italy’s lead but was thwarted by Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels. Following a corner kick, several Italian shots were blocked in a chaotic scramble inside the box. Donnarumma was again called into action to save Trossard’s volley.
Belgium pressed for an equalizer late in the game, with Lukaku narrowly missing a header and seeing another shot blocked by Di Lorenzo. Ultimately, Italy managed to maintain their slender lead until the final whistle, confirming their advancement in the Nations League tournament.
Goals: Tonali 11 (I)
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Castagne (’86’ Bakayoko), Debast, Faes, Theate (72′ Al Dakhil); Engels ( 72′ Vermeeren), Onana; Trossard, Openda, De Cuyper (79′ Lukebakio); Lukaku. Ct. Tedesco
Italy (3-5-1-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso (’82’ Gatti), Frattesi, Rovella (’80’ Locatelli), Tonali, Dimarco (69′ Udogie); Barella (’80’ Raspadori); Retegui (69′ Kean)
