Italy opened their Euro 2025 campaign with a confident and disciplined 1-0 win over Belgium in Group B. The decisive moment came late in the first half when Arianna Caruso scored a stunning goal, giving the Azzurre the edge in a tightly contested match held in the scenic Swiss city of Sion.
In a game of few clear-cut chances, it took a moment of real quality to break the deadlock. Caruso, Italy’s midfield maestro, stepped up with a superb finish after receiving a precise pass from Lucia Di Guglielmo on the edge of the box. With Belgium’s defence stretched, Caruso curled the ball into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus with no chance.
Italy’s performance was characterised by tactical control and defensive solidity, traits that have become increasingly evident under head coach Andrea Soncin. Since taking over in late 2023, Soncin has overseen a period of rejuvenation in the Italian side. His decision to deploy a back three Martina Lenzini, Cecilia Salvai, and Elena Linari paid off as they successfully neutralised Belgium’s attacking threat, especially on the counter.
Despite losing forward Chiara Beccari to injury before the tournament, Italy still boasted plenty of attacking experience. Captain Cristiana Girelli led the line with authority. Now appearing in her fourth European Championship, the 35-year-old showed her sharpness with several dangerous moments, including a clever back-heeled attempt that was well saved by Lichtfus.
Belgium started the match on the front foot, dictating the tempo early on. Their key threats, Tessa Wullaert and Jill Janssens, used their pace effectively on the break but failed to convert their best chances. Justine Vanhaevermaet was a physical presence in midfield, helping to disrupt Italy’s rhythm before Caruso’s goal shifted the momentum.
The match had a somber atmosphere, as players and fans observed a minute’s silence before kickoff in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who tragically died in a car accident earlier that day. The emotional moment was marked across the stadium in tribute.
The second half was fragmented, with multiple fouls and stoppages breaking the flow. Italy, however, looked the more composed of the two sides. Lichtfus was called into action again to keep Belgium within reach, making key stops against Girelli and Michela Cambiaghi.
In the end, Italy saw out the game with maturity and professionalism to claim a vital three points. They now prepare for a clash with Portugal, while Belgium face the daunting task of taking on group favourites Spain as they fight to keep their tournament hopes alive.
