Italy start Euro 2025 with a win

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Belgium 0 - 1 Italy

Arianna Caruso's fantastic strike gave Italy victory over Belgium in their first match of Euro 2025.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | Stade de Tourbillon

Euro 2025 | Belgium v Italy

The first half offered little in the way of clear chances, though Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert came close after turning smartly in the box, only to fire into the side-netting.

But with the interval approaching, Caruso latched onto a defence-splitting pass from Lucia Di Guglielmo and calmly guided her finish into the top corner.

Italy threatened to extend their lead after the break in Sion. Captain Cristiana Girelli saw her audacious back-heel saved by Lisa Lichtfus, while Michela Cambiaghi squandered a golden chance when clean through on goal.

READ MORE | Switzerland 1 - 2 Norway

READ MORE | Latest Euro 2025 news, match reports and more

The result hands Andrea Soncin’s side a valuable three points in what looks a demanding group that also features world champions Spain, who face Portugal later on Thursday.

This victory also ended a run for Italy of three successive defeats to Belgium, as they gained measure of revenge for Euro 2022 when a 1-0 win for the Belgians earned them a quarter-final spot and eliminated the Italians.

What's next?

As the competition hots up, Belgium’s next game in Group B is against Spain. Italy will face Portugal on the same day. 

For Belgium, three points is a must as they look to avoid an early exit. For Italy, they should qualify if they avoid defeat in their next two matches.

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