Belgium vs Italy Analysis | Nations League 2024

Belgium vs Italy faced off in an intense match, both teams having Italian managers on the wheel, and both teams showcasing strong tactical approaches and fighting for control in midfield. Italy’s established positional play and Belgium’s high press set the stage for an exciting game with plenty of action on both ends.

First Half Analysis

Italy’s Positional Play and Belgium’s Defensive Setup

Italy dominated early possession, patiently passing the ball around in search of openings, while Belgium dropped into a 4-4-2 defensive formation. Italy’s 3-5-1-1 structure saw Tonali and Frattesi positioning wide, with DiMarco and Cambiaso coming inside, stretching Belgium’s midfield and creating space for Italy’s attacks. Italy also relied on long diagonal balls from Bastoni to quickly shift play and create opportunities, particularly finding Frattesi open on the right.

Italy’s Goal: Tactical Precision

The breakthrough came in the 20th minute. Belgium had switched to a 3-4-3 setup defensively, allowing Italy to exploit space through quick combinations. Di Lorenzo received a clever pass from Barella just outside the box and laid it off to Tonali, who slotted the ball past Casteels. This goal highlighted Italy’s effective positional play on the flanks, as Di Lorenzo’s run and Tonali’s timing caught Belgium’s defense off guard.

Key Statistics at Half-Time: Belgium vs Italy

Possession: 40% – 60%

Shots on Target: 0 – 2

Touches in Penalty Area: 2 – 7

Accurate Passes: 187 – 307

Duels Won: 28% – 72%

Second Half Analysis

Belgium’s High Pressure and Trossard’s Impact

Belgium began the second half with a more aggressive approach, pressing higher up the pitch. Trossard dropped deeper into the midfield to help in Belgium’s build-up, distributing balls into space and facilitating quick transitions from left to right and right to left. This adjustment allowed Belgium to sustain attacks and create multiple chances, including attempts by Debast, Openda and Lukaku.

Exciting End-to-End Action

Both teams began to attack more freely, resulting in a exciting, back-and-forth game. Italy responded with high pressure, utilizing Barella at the 10 position and their wing-backs to press Belgium’s defense, forcing errors and attempting to regain control.

Belgium’s Best Chances

Belgium’s most dangerous moments came later in the half, as Lukaku had several close calls, including a header just wide and a powerful shot saved by Donnarumma. The high pressing strategy began to pay off, with Belgium increasing their final third entries and testing Italy’s backline.

Final Game Statistics: Belgium vs Italy

Possession: 47% – 53%

Shots on Target: 3 – 4

Touches in Penalty Area: 22 – 17

Accurate Passes: 389 – 474

Final Third Entries: 55 – 46

Duels Won: 43% – 57%

Post-Game Analysis: Key Takeaways

Italy’s Cohesion and Tactical Discipline

Italy appeared more cohesive, more trained, with well-practiced patterns and an effective positional structure. Their ability to press and cover spaces in midfield made it challenging for Belgium to penetrate, especially in the first half.

Belgium’s Improvements in the Second Half

Belgium’s tactical shift, led by Arsenal‘s Trossard’s involvement in the midfield, brought more balance and creativity. Despite Italy’s structured defense, Belgium managed to create notable chances and push forward effectively, though ultimately unable to use on these opportunities to score the equalizer.

Conclusion

Italy’s consistency and tactical clarity gave them the win in this close match. Belgium’s adjustments in the second half made the game more competitive, showcasing their resilience and potential. The final score might reflect Italy’s organized approach, but Belgium’s fightback under pressure highlighted their potential moving forward. With a lot of young players, who do not play on the highest level yet, Belgium does have a bright future if the players continue to develop and get used to each other and Tedesco’s playing style.