The transformation of Italy’s national team under Luciano Spalletti is unmistakable. No longer the timid and reactive side that was seen at Euro 2024—where they struggled from the outset, often conceding goals and surrendering the initiative to their opponents—Italy now seems to be rediscovering its identity.
The team’s resurgence was evident in their 1-0 victory over Belgium in the Nations League, a match that marked their third straight win in the competition and took them into the quarterfinals. Italy’s solid performance against Belgium demonstrated that Spalletti’s approach is bearing fruit, especially as they prepare for a crucial clash with France on Sunday at San Siro, a team they have already beaten in Paris.
One key aspect of Italy’s newfound confidence is the continued form of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has been the rock at the back whenever he dons the Azzurri shirt. In Belgium, Donnarumma’s performance was again crucial as Italy came away with a well-earned win, much like their previous triumph over France. In contrast, Belgium—like Italy a few months ago—seemed disjointed and lacking their usual threat, particularly Romelu Lukaku, who appeared off the pace throughout the match.
Italy’s dominance was clear from the start in Brussels, where the team, with Nicolò Barella playing as a makeshift striker and Niccolò Rovella pulling the strings in midfield, took control early on. The opening goal came in the 11th minute, a direct consequence of Italy’s dominance. Barella made a precise vertical pass into the Belgian half, with De Cuyper failing to track Di Lorenzo, who surged to the byline. The Napoli full-back then cut the ball back for Sandro Tonali, who was left unmarked in the six-yard box and slotted home to open the scoring.
From that point, Italy largely controlled the match, seeing most of the ball as they dictated the tempo. Belgium, despite the best efforts of Leandro Trossard, struggled to break down Italy’s defense, with Donnarumma not seriously tested during the first half. The goalkeeper even had a chance to warm up with a few easy touches as the Belgian attack lacked urgency.
In the second half, Belgium did manage to apply some pressure, with Trossard forcing Donnarumma into a diving save in the 57th minute after a quick right-footed shot from the edge of the box. Shortly after, Donnarumma was alert again, parrying a powerful strike from Lois Openda. However, despite these efforts, Belgium failed to create clear-cut chances, with Italy’s defense staying resolute.
Italy had their own opportunities to seal the game, with Retegui testing goalkeeper Koen Casteels, whose reflexes denied the Italian striker’s effort. Di Lorenzo also had a chance to extend the lead, but his shot was cleared off the line by Belgian defender Wout Faes. In the dying moments, Faes had a header that looked destined for the net, but it crashed against the post, a warning sign for Italy. Lukaku also squandered a golden chance to level, heading over from a Trossard cross.
Despite these brief moments of Belgian revival, Italy held firm and secured a deserved victory. The 1-0 win not only keeps their Nations League hopes alive but also sets them up for a decisive showdown with France, where a draw will be enough to top the group.
Looking ahead, Spalletti’s team is eyeing both the Nations League and the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. After missing out on the last World Cup, Italy knows the importance of ensuring they are present in the next tournament. Spalletti is fully aware of the stakes, and his team seems determined to make sure they don’t miss out again.
