The highly anticipated Nations League clash between Belgium and Italy lived up to expectations, as the two sides played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. Leandro Trossard was the star of the show, scoring and assisting for the Red Devils.
Italy, despite missing key players Nicolò Barella, Moise Kean, Marco Brescianini, and Gianluca Scamacca, started strongly.
The Azzurri took the lead immediately, with Andrea Cambiaso scoring his debut Italy goal.
Federico Dimarco‘s impressive surge down the left flank set up the Juventus winger for a rebound finish.
The goal came after Dimarco completed a give-and-go with Mateo Retegui, rolling the ball across the six-yard box for Cambiaso.
His initial attempt was parried by Koen Casteels, but the rebound was bundled over the line.
Italy continued to press, with Davide Frattesi running onto a long Alessandro Bastoni pass and pulling it back from the by-line with a dinked assist.
However, Arthur Theate managed to clear the danger.
Belgium slowly gained momentum, with Jeremy Doku‘s attempt deflected over for a corner.
Italy doubled their lead with a beautifully crafted goal, showcasing Dimarco’s exceptional vision.
A first-time cross-field pass released Cambiaso down the right, and he cut inside before unleashing a low left-foot drive.
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Casteels parried the shot with one hand, but Retegui slotted home the rebound.
Frattesi’s diving header on a Dimarco cross went wide, but the game’s dynamics shifted dramatically when Lorenzo Pellegrini received a red card for a sliding tackle on Theate.
Initially awarded a yellow card, the decision was overturned following a VAR On-Field Review.
Belgium capitalized on the numerical advantage, scoring through Maxim De Cuyper‘s curler from the edge of the area.
The goal came from the resulting free kick, expertly worked to find De Cuyper.
After the restart, 10-man Italy squandered a chance to restore their two-goal cushion, with Frattesi blasting over after controlling an Alessandro Bastoni long ball.
He opted to shoot instead of passing to Retegui.
Belgium equalized when Trossard flicked in a corner at the near post, nodding down by Faes.
The pressure continued to build, with Openda going clear on goal only for Bastoni to dive into the tackle.
The referee opted for a corner, and VAR agreed following a silent check.
In the final stages, controversy erupted when Frattesi intercepted a loose pass in the final third and his shot was charged down by Faes.
Penalty appeals for handball were waved away, as the ball seemed to strike Faes’ hip first.
Despite the draw, Italy maintains its lead in the Nations League group, three points ahead of France and Belgium.
The result sets up an intriguing finale to the group stage, with all three teams vying for top spot.
