Italy enjoyed a memorable evening in Paris, with Belgium and Romania also emerging victorious on the second night of the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League matches.
Italy astonished the host nation, France, by overcoming an early setback to secure a stylish win. Captain Kevin De Bruyne led Belgium to success, while Romania began their campaign strongly.
France 1-3 Italy
Bradley Barcola’s incredible goal for France within 13 seconds couldn’t destabilise Italy in the high-stakes clash at the Parc des Princes. The Azzurri rebounded to achieve a notable 3-1 triumph over the 2021 UEFA Nations League champions.
Barcola’s rapid goal marked his first for France, but Italy, seeking to bounce back after UEFA EURO 2024, equalised through a superb volley from Federico Dimarco at the 30-minute mark. Luciano Spalletti’s squad took control in the second half, with Davide Frattesi – previously thwarted by the crossbar – and substitute Giacomo Raspadori scoring to secure a memorable night for the two-time semi-finalists. This marked Italy’s first victory in Paris in 70 years.
Belgium 3-1 Israel
In the same group, Belgium owed their 3-1 triumph over Israel in Debrecen to the composed brilliance of De Bruyne. His penalty in the 52nd minute ultimately clinched the win for Domenico Tedesco’s side, despite the 1-1 scoreline at half-time, which had showcased Israel’s strong initial performance under their new coach Ran Ben Simon.
Anan Khalaili’s deflected header off Timothy Castagne levelled the score after De Bruyne’s opening goal for the 2021 Nations League semi-finalists. However, Belgium netted twice in a five-minute burst after the break, with Youri Tielemans scoring first, followed by the captain’s penalty. De Bruyne then opted to forego a hat-trick opportunity by letting Loïs Openda take Belgium’s second penalty, which was saved by Yoav Gerafi.
Elsewhere on Friday evening, Erling Haaland’s Norway were held to a goalless draw in Kazakhstan, despite making 19 attempts on goal.
Wales and EURO 2024 quarter-finalists Türkiye also ended in a stalemate during Craig Bellamy’s first match as Wales coach.
Two teams that impressed in Germany this summer, Slovenia and Austria, drew as Konrad Laimer equalised after Benjamin Šeško’s strike.
All of Friday’s results:
A2 Belgium 3-1 Israel, France 1-3 Italy
B3 Kazakhstan 0-0 Norway, Slovenia 1-1 Austria
B4 Iceland 2-0 Montenegro, Wales 0-0 Türkiye
C2 Kosovo 0-3 Romania, Lithuania 0-1 Cyprus
All Saturday’s fixtures
A3 Germany vs Hungary, Netherlands vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
B1 Georgia vs Czechia (18:00), Ukraine vs Albania
B2 Greece vs Finland, Republic of Ireland vs England (18:00)
C4 Armenia vs Latvia (18:00), Faroe Islands vs North Macedonia (15:00)
D2 Moldova vs Malta (18:00)
