ALL GOALS: Belgium vs Italy | UEFA Nations League

ALL GOALS: Belgium vs Italy | UEFA Nations League

Belgium delivered a statement victory against Italy to secure their place in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League quarterfinals. The Red Devils came from behind to claim a thrilling 4-1 win in a match full of drama, which also featured a missed stoppage-time penalty by Francesco Pio Esposito. The result secured second place for Belgium in Group A1 with 12 points and confirmed Italy's elimination.

BELGIUM FIGHT BACK TO COMPLETE THE COMEBACK

Italy struck first in the 11th minute when Francesco Pio Esposito connected with a cross from Michael Kayode, redirecting the ball with his right foot to put the Azzurri ahead.

Belgium responded in the 15th minute when Maxim De Cuyper found the back of the net inside the box, finishing off a well-worked attacking move after receiving a pass from Charles De Ketelaere to make it 1-1.

In the 22nd minute, Nathan Ngoy capitalized on a rebound spilled by Gianluigi Donnarumma after the goalkeeper saved a shot from Jérémy Doku, completing Belgium's comeback. Just four minutes later, Doku extended the lead with a brilliant individual effort, collecting De Ketelaere's pass before beating the Italian defense and making it 3-1.

MOREIRA SEALS THE WIN AS ESPOSITO MISSES FROM THE SPOT

In the second half, Belgium managed its lead and added a fourth goal in the 80th minute. Kevin De Bruyne led the counterattack and cleverly played the ball through to Diego Moreira, who found space near the edge of the penalty area and finished to put the game beyond Italy's reach.

The Azzurri still had a chance to pull one back in stoppage time, but Francesco Pio Esposito missed a penalty, wasting Italy's final opportunity to get back into the match.

Belgium celebrated a dramatic qualification for the quarterfinals. Their victory, combined with France's win over Turkey, left Italy with no chance of advancing and turned the final Group A1 showdown into a disappointing night for Roberto Mancini's side.