Sandro Tonali’s first-ever goal for Italy secured a 1-0 win over Belgium in Brussels, sealing their place in the Nations League quarter-finals.
Italy had been in control when they met Belgium last month, leading 2-0 before a red card for Lorenzo Pellegrini sparked a 2-2 comeback. With Pellegrini suspended and Samuele Ricci and Riccardo Calafiori injured, Nicolò Rovella made his debut, and Nicolò Barella returned in a more advanced role. Belgium, missing key players like De Bruyne and De Ketelaere, shifted to a 3-5-2 formation, with Lukaku back in action.
Italy dominated possession from the start, with Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s give-and-go pass setting up Tonali to score from close range in the 10th minute. It was Tonali’s first goal for Italy, and his first since August 2023 for Newcastle United.
Belgium had some chances, with Timothy Castagne blocking a dangerous Frattesi pass and Donnarumma saving a long-range effort from Zeno Debast. Mateo Retegui was denied by goalkeeper Koen Casteels, and Italy had several scrambles in the box. Donnarumma also saved a volley from Leandro Trossard and kept out a low shot from Lois Openda.
In the final stages, Belgium pushed hard. Lukaku missed a header in the 79th minute, and Di Lorenzo blocked another Lukaku shot. On a corner, Wout Faes’ header struck the post in the 83rd minute, but Italy held on for the win.
