Belgium and Italy trade goals in Nations League group-stage encounter

Belgium and Italy scored once each as their Nations League group-stage meeting produced an evenly balanced contest, with Belgium holding 55% possession to Italy’s 45%.

Belgium controlled much of the early play through a succession of short passes in midfield. Italy responded when Nicolo Barella embarked on a solo run, but a Belgian defender intervened to stop him and concede a corner.

Nicolo Fagioli took the resulting corner for Italy, although his delivery failed to find a team-mate. Italy then applied pressure high up the pitch, forcing Belgium to work hard to play out from the back.

Belgium eventually moved in front after Charles De Ketelaere played the ball across the middle of the penalty area. Italy’s defence was slow to react, allowing Maxim De Cuyper to power a shot into the right side of the net.

De Cuyper’s finish brought Belgium level, according to the match commentary, after Italy had threatened earlier in the half.

Italy restored their lead when a low cross from the right reached Francesco Esposito in the penalty area. He met it first time and guided the ball into the net.

Kevin De Bruyne later sent a free-kick delivery into the Italian box, but a defender reached it before any Belgian attacker and cleared the danger. Belgium also won a free-kick near the left side of the area after Charles De Ketelaere was brought down.

Diego Moreira tried to add another for Belgium with a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area, but the shot struck a team-mate and failed to trouble the goal. A subsequent Belgian corner was also dealt with by the Italian defence.

Italy continued to threaten from wide areas. Luca Koleosho sent a short cross towards the penalty area from the left, but Belgium cleared it before it could reach its intended target.

Fagioli then came close to extending Italy’s advantage. After receiving a precise pass inside the area, he controlled the ball well before striking towards the right post. Belgium goalkeeper Senny Lammens made an excellent save to keep out the effort.

Italy were awarded another free-kick in midfield after Alessandro Bastoni was fouled by Timothy Castagne. Belgium attempted to respond with sustained attacking pressure, but their possession did not produce another clear chance.

Jeremy Doku was unable to find a team-mate with a through ball, sending it out of play and giving Italy a goal-kick. Luca Koleosho was also fouled by Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy during the match.