Italy triumphs over Belgium 1-0 in the Nations League, thanks to Sandro Tonali’s decisive goal. Explore the match details and key moments on our site.
Introduction:
Italy claimed a crucial 1-0 win over Belgium in an end-to-end Nations League game in Brussels, as they sealed their top-two finish in Group A2. Sandro Tonali’s early goal could prove decisive as Italy proved solid at the back and incisive up front. Belgium made a number of second-half chances that lacked an equalizer but now placed their qualification hopes in peril.
See also: England defeated Greece 3-0 in their Nations League
Tonali Scores Early for Azzurri
Italy seized early initiative, but for much of the match that lead would have appeared precarious. The Italians began positively and, after Davide Frattesi intercepted a pass outside the Belgian penalty area, the forward played the ball inside to Giovanni Di Lorenzo. Napoli’s defender played a neat one-two with Nicolò Barella before passing a low cross into the box; Sandro Tonali took advantage of the situation, tapping the ball through a defender’s legs to give Italy a 1-0 lead in the 7th minute.
However, Tonali’s breakthrough couldn’t be followed up with anymore clearer chances in the first half as Belgium pulled in their lines to draw in defense. Cambiaso and Federico Dimarco were busy as they treaded out the flanks to cancel out attacks by Belgium down those channels.
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Frustrations for the Belgians in the Final Third
Belgium’s middle of the park, with Amadou Onana in its heart, found it difficult to penetrate through Italy’s robust defense. When the Red Devils couldn’t counter their opponent’s defensive solidity by any other means, they tried to seek openings on Italy’s exposed sides. Trossard was patchy with flashes of individual brilliance inside the field, but the end product was sorely lacking.
A clear opening fell when Lukaku, the Belgium forward, glanced a header barely wide from a Castagne cross. Earlier, a well-worked set-piece saw Wout Faes’ header graze the post of the Italian goal, encapsulating all that was wrong with Belgium’s inability to convert promising chances into goals.
Second Half: Belgium presses, Italy holds firm
Gianluigi Donnarumma had a stellar game for Italy, denying several Belgian chances on goal. One key save came when Loïs Openda found Trossard from a low cross that bounced awkwardly toward the goal. Donnarumma, ever the wit, could only palm it away to preserve Italy’s narrow margin.
Italy defended in great order but responded with isolated counterattacks. Mateo Retegui had a chance to double the lead, capitalizing on a defense-splitting pass from Frattesi, which the Belgian goalkeeper smothered.
Tedesco and Spalletti Tactical Adjustments
Both managers made significant substitutions to try to win the tide of the match. Domenico Tedesco played Arthur Vermeeren to provide his team with the creative spark at midfield. Luciano Spalletti introduced Udogie and Moise Kean to run some fresh legs on their side. These efforts kept the level of tension at a high height without shifting the balance of scores.
Belgium managed to come close to equalizing at the last minutes with both Lukaku and Faes missing just inches, but Italian compact defense remained firm in forcing a win.
Effects on Group A2
The result of the game means that Italy is almost guaranteeing them, for the top two qualification spots in Group A2, since they remain unbeaten in the tournament so far. Italy has one match to go, in the group stages against France, and now goes into it with confidence.
Belgium, however, has plenty more to do in front of them. Another failure to break open Italy’s resolute defense could shut the doors on hopes for qualification. They played much better in the second half but still lacked enough to earn points.
Conclusion:
Italy’s all-rounded performance in this match reflects the tactical depth and resilience the team has undergone. Though Belgium enjoyed flashes of creativity, they could not punch home crucial chances, which points to the necessity for the side to do serious work to secure a strong foothold in international competition. This is the first major match witnessed under Luciano Spalletti, and for this match, it attests to Italy’s growing prowess.