LIVE BLOG: Belgium vs Italy | UEFA Nations League
This matchup is crucial for both national teams as they fight for a place in the Nations League quarterfinals. The Azzurri are seeking revenge while looking to secure qualification, whereas the Red Devils are fighting to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The Manchester City forward dances past a sea of defenders after collecting the ball from a move initiated by Kevin De Bruyne down the right flank. The Italian defense fails to contain him, and the Red Devils' No. 11 makes them pay with a brilliant individual finish to extend Belgium's lead.
Score: 1H | Belgium 3-1 Italy
21' GOAL FOR BELGIUM, NATHAN NGOY!
The Lille defender turns the game around for the Red Devils! Nathan Ngoy reacts quickest to the rebound after Gianluigi Donnarumma saves Jérémy Doku's initial effort. Italy's defensive lapse proves costly, as Belgium find the back of the net for the second time to take the lead!
Score: 1st Half | Belgium 2-1 Italy
15' GOAL FOR BELGIUM, MAXIM DE CUYPER!
The Brighton & Hove Albion defender takes advantage of Italy's defensive lapse to bring Belgium level! The Red Devils put together a brilliant attacking move that starts at the edge of the box, where Kevin De Bruyne delivers a clever sliced pass to set up De Cuyper for the finish.
Score: 1st Half | Belgium 1-1 Italy
11' GOAL FOR ITALY, FRANCESCO PIO ESPOSITO!
The Azzurri launch a quick counterattack down the left flank, with Luca Koleosho delivering a cross into the box for the Inter Milan striker. Francesco Pio Esposito stretches out his right leg to redirect the ball into the net and give the visitors the lead!
Italy strike back after Belgium had been putting pressure on Gianluigi Donnarumma's goal.
Score: 1st Half | Belgium 0-1 Italy
7' Italy's First Warning!
Niccolò Pisilli gets on the end of a cross from the left by Riccardo Calafiori and forces Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens into a fine save. The Italian midfielder's low strike is heading toward the bottom corner, but Lammens dives to his right to keep it out and concede a corner.
Score: 1st Half | Belgium 0-0 Italy
Kickoff!
A crucial Group A1 clash at King Baudouin Stadium, where the Red Devils host the Azzurri in a battle for Nations League quarterfinal qualification.
Score: 1st Half | Belgium 0-0 Italy
Welcome to the Belgium vs. Italy LIVE BLOG, Matchday 6 of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League!
The starting lineups are in!
The Match Preview
Belgium Host Italy in a Crucial Clash for a Place in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals
Belgium and Italy will headline one of the most anticipated matchups of the final round of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League group stage. Both national teams are fighting for their future in the competition in Brussels, where the Red Devils must secure a win to keep their hopes of reaching the quarterfinals alive.
ITALY ENTER THE MATCH AS GROUP LEADERS
The Italian national team, managed by Roberto Mancini, are enjoying a strong run of form. After opening the tournament with a 0-2 defeat against Belgium, the Azzurri bounced back by collecting 10 points from their next four matches, results that propelled them to the top of Group A1.
Their latest performance was particularly impressive: Italy defeated France 3-1, strengthening their qualification hopes. One of the standout performers was young striker Pio Esposito, who scored twice to reach four goals in five Nations League appearances.
BELGIUM MUST MAKE HOME ADVANTAGE COUNT
The team managed by Mark van Bommel head into this clash following a 2-1 victory over Turkey, keeping their qualification hopes alive. Belgium also boast top-level talent, including Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere, players capable of making the difference in a high-stakes encounter.
The Red Devils have already proven they can get the better of Italy, having secured a 2-0 victory in their first meeting of the tournament. Now, they will look to repeat that result, although the pressure will be on as they fight to secure qualification on home soil.
WHAT DO BELGIUM AND ITALY NEED TO QUALIFY?
Group A1 sees Italy and France level on 10 points, while Belgium have nine points and Turkey have yet to earn a point.
Italy will qualify for the quarterfinals with either a win or a draw. If they lose, they will need France to also suffer defeat against Turkey. Belgium, meanwhile, will secure qualification with a victory, while their chances could also depend on France's result.
The match will take place this Sunday, November 15, at King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels, with kickoff scheduled for 2:45 p.m. East Time.
The final matchday promises plenty of drama, with two quarterfinal spots still up for grabs.
BELGIUM AND ITALY FIGHT FOR A NATIONS LEAGUE QUARTERFINAL SPOT
- ITALY LOOK TO STAY ON TOP: The Azzurri have 10 points and control their own destiny in the race for qualification.
- BELGIUM NEED A WIN: The Red Devils have nine points and must defeat Italy to secure their chances of advancing.
- A DECISIVE SHOWDOWN IN BRUSSELS: Belgium and Italy battle for a place in the quarterfinals in a final matchday that promises plenty of excitement.
