Italy defended stoutly to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Belgium in their Nations League encounter on Thursday evening.
Also Read: UNL Match Report! Belgium vs Italy Match Updates, News and Scores (14th November, 2024)
Luciano Spalletti’s side claimed their first clean sheet since June, and despite a few scares, held firm throughout the match.
The match was tight, with Belgium pressuring Italy at times, but Italy held on to their advantage after Sandro Tonali’s first-ever international goal.
Italy Player Ratings:
Gianluigi Donnarumma – 7.5
Donnarumma was crucial in Italy’s victory, making several key saves, especially in the second half. Despite Belgium’s persistent pressure, he never truly looked in danger of conceding.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo – 7
Di Lorenzo was involved in Italy’s attacking build-up, playing a key role in providing the assist for the match’s only goal. However, he missed a glaring opportunity in the 55th minute when he failed to score from a header.
Gleison Buongiorno – 6.5
Buongiorno handled the challenge of marking Romelu Lukaku effectively for the majority of the match, limiting the Belgian striker’s chances and showing composure throughout.
Alessandro Bastoni – 7
Bastoni impressed with his ability to carry the ball forward, especially in the absence of Riccardo Calafiori. He dealt well with Lukaku, although he had one brief scare during the match.
Andrea Cambiaso – 6
Cambiaso was versatile, offering support down the left flank and creating space for Di Lorenzo on the right. He was solid but did not have as much of an impact offensively.
Davide Frattesi – 6
Frattesi tested Belgian goalkeeper Koen Casteels early on but struggled as Belgium gained control later in the game. His midfield presence was important, although the pressure made it difficult for him to fully influence the match.
Nicolò Rovella – 6.5
Rovella made a bright start to his international debut, but as Belgium’s pressure mounted, he became slower on the ball, which allowed Belgium to control possession more towards the end of the first half.
Sandro Tonali – 7.5
Tonali marked his 20th international cap with a goal, finding himself in the right place at the right time to score. He was calm and composed in midfield, controlling the tempo and dictating play for Italy.
Federico Dimarco – 6
Dimarco provided the creativity down Italy’s left side but didn’t produce many final product moments. He was replaced by Destiny Udogie in the second half, who struggled to make an impact (Udogie 5.5).
Nicolò Barella – 6
Barella had a standout moment with a perfectly timed assist to Frattesi, but his overall involvement was limited in the match. He worked hard to support Retegui but didn’t produce many notable attacking moments.
Mateo Retegui – 5
Retegui had a big chance to seal the match when he was one-on-one with Casteels, but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save. He had little influence otherwise in the attacking phase.
Belgium Player Ratings:
Koen Casteels – 6.5
Casteels made several key saves, including one from Retegui that kept Belgium in the game. However, he was ultimately beaten by Tonali’s clinical finish.
Arthur Theate – 6.5
Theate was solid in defense, contributing to Belgium’s attempt to contain Italy’s attacks, but did not stand out as much as some of his teammates.
Wout Faes – 7
Faes was one of the more dependable defenders for Belgium, organizing the backline and defending well against Italy’s attacks.
Zeno Debast – 6
Debast had a mixed performance, struggling at times against the Italian forwards but still providing a stable presence at the back.
Timothy Castagne – 6.5
Castagne was active down the right flank, contributing to both defense and attack, but lacked the final touch to make a significant impact.
Aster Vranckx – 5
Vranckx’s performance was subdued, offering little support in midfield and struggling to break down Italy’s defensive setup.
Wesley Hoedt – 6
Hoedt was adequate in defense, but Belgium’s attacking struggles left him without many opportunities to make a major impact going forward.
Nicolas Lombaerts – 5.5
Lombaerts was involved in Belgium’s build-up play, but his contributions were minimal compared to his teammates.
Lars De Cuyper – 5
De Cuyper had a tough game and struggled to provide the necessary support to Belgium’s defense and midfield.
Yassine Benzia – 6
Benzia tried to generate opportunities for Belgium, but Italy’s defense was too strong, and he found it difficult to break them down.
Thorgan Hazard – 6
Hazard was Belgium’s most creative player in attack, but he was unable to make a significant breakthrough against Italy’s defense.
