Italy and Belgium faced off in a crucial Group B opener, both seeking an early advantage in a group dominated by favourites Spain[1]. The match was billed as a tactical battle, with high stakes as both teams look to progress beyond the group stage.
Belgium came into the game with a psychological edge due to recent wins over Italy, but both teams have struggled with inconsistency in the lead-up to the tournament. For Italy, recent Nation’s League performances have shown progress, highlighted by finishing just two points behind world No. 6 Sweden—signalling potential for further improvement. In contrast, Belgium suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat to France in a recent friendly, underlining the challenges they face against elite competition. Their squad is spearheaded by Tessa Wullaert, but progression hinges on Belgium playing as a cohesive unit rather than relying solely on individual talents[1].
Key themes in the match included Italy’s structured approach against Belgium’s counter-attacking and set-piece strengths. Both teams entered with much to prove, and with qualification likely determined by this result, the encounter was described as being decided by fine margins and individual moments of brilliance[1]. The game’s statistics, highlights, and play-by-play timeline are available, reflecting the significance and intensity of the matchup[2].