For their last match in the first round of the Euro, Italy and Belgium faced off on Monday in an unofficial round of 16. Barring France’s surprise defeat against Iceland at the same time, the team that emerged victorious from this duel reached the quarterfinals by securing second place in group D. And it was Belgium who emerged victorious from this meeting to win his ticket for the next round (1-0).
Dominating at the start of the game, the Red Flames retreated over the minutes by conceding opportunities. But the Italians were sorely lacking in efficiency and did not find the net despite 20 shots.
Italy came out of a quarter-final at the 2019 World Cup
With only two shots on target, Belgium made the difference with a nice shot from the left signed Tine De Caigny (49th). Surprise, the Squadra Azzura, quarter-finalists of the 2019 World Cup, never gave up their intentions, in vain.
The disappointment of Barbara Bonansea after the elimination of Italy. (M. Darlington/Archyde.com)
This victory is historic for the Belgians, qualified for the quarter-finals of a major international competition for the first time in their history. Friday (9:00 p.m.), they will challenge Sweden, first in group C. For its part, Italy finishes last in the group and returns home.