Italy beats Belgium and guarantees place in the quarter-finals

Spalletti’s team resists Belgian pressure in the second half and takes victory with a goal from Tonali

SUMMARY

Italy beat Belgium 1-0 at the King Baudouin Stadium on Thursday. The victory in the fifth round puts the Italian team ahead of schedule in the quarterfinals of the tournament, with 13 points. The only goal of the game was scored by Tonali, with an assist from defender Di Lorenzo. On the other hand, the result takes away the Belgians’ chance of qualifying directly for the next round and puts the team in the playoffs.

HOW WAS THE GAME?

Italy took the lead and dominated the first half. Spalletti’s team exchanged passes and passed the ball around, while Belgium stayed deep in their own half. Then, ten minutes in, Barella left Di Lorenzo in excellent position inside the penalty area. The defender calmly waited for Tonali to appear free in front of goal to watch the midfielder score. Belgium came back stronger in the second half and had many chances to equalize, including a shot that hit the post and good chances for Lukaku. Donnarumma was essential in preventing Domenico Tedesco’s team from winning.