Belgium v Italy: Women’s EURO 2025 Showdown Preview

Belgium v Italy sparks the next chapter of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 on 3 July, when the Red Flames host the resourceful Azzurre in Leuven’s King Power at Den Dreef Stadium. This Group B fixture is more than a midsummer contest—it is a statement match between two nations eager to stamp their authority on Europe’s biggest stage.

Belgium v Italy Key Match Facts

Kick-off is set for 20:00 CET, with capacity crowds expected to transform Leuven into a festival of red and blue. Belgium, coached by Ives Serneels, arrive on the back of an unbeaten qualifying run that showcased their ability to blend slick passing with relentless pressing. Italy, revived under Andrea Soncin, sealed their ticket in dramatic fashion and now seek revenge for the 2022 loss to the Belgians in Manchester. A victory for either side would offer a major boost toward the quarter-finals in an otherwise balanced section containing Sweden and Portugal.

Form Guide and Recent Meetings

The last three Belgium v Italy encounters have delivered drama in abundance. In 2023 the Azzurre edged a 1-0 friendly, while Belgium struck late for a 2-1 triumph in 2024 World Cup qualifying. Their overall head-to-head stands at 6 wins each with 3 draws, underlining how evenly matched these rivals remain. Belgium enter July unbeaten in nine competitive games, conceding just twice. Italy’s record reads five victories from their last seven, yet defensive lapses—ten goals shipped—remain a concern.

Projected Line-ups

Belgium (4-3-3): Evrard; Deloose, Tysiak, Philtjens, Kees; Wullaert, Vanhaevermaet, De Caigny; Cayman, Dhont, Eurlings.
Italy (3-5-2): Giuliani; Linari, Gama, Bartoli; Boattin, Giugliano, Caruso, Bonfantini, Cernoia; Girelli, Bonansea.

Tactical Battle

Serneels is expected to deploy high wing pressure, forcing Italy’s wide midfielders to defend deep. In response, Soncin may mirror a back-five in possession, allowing Boattin and Bonfantini to exploit the channels behind Belgian full-backs. Set pieces could tilt Belgium v Italy either way—both nations have netted four qualifying goals from corners.

Players to Watch

Belgium

• Tessa Wullaert: The national record scorer thrives in big moments and will lead the press from midfield.
• Justine Vanhaevermaet: Aerially dominant, she anchors transitions and is lethal on late runs into the box.

Italy

• Cristiana Girelli: The veteran poacher needs just two goals to hit 50 for the Azzurre.
• Giada Greggi: Likely to feature off the bench, her vertical passing could unlock tight Belgian lines.

Live Coverage and Streaming

Global audiences can follow Belgium v Italy across UEFA’s digital platforms, national broadcasters RTBF (Belgium) and RAI Sport (Italy), plus the Goal Sports News app offering minute-by-minute text updates, instant stats, expected-goals dashboards and fan polls.

Key Statistics

• Average age of Belgium’s starting XI is 25.8, the youngest in the group.
• Italy complete 83 % of passes in the opposing half, ranking third in the tournament.
• Belgium’s Philtjens leads all qualifiers with 37 interceptions.
• Girelli has scored in every second match at major tournaments—six in 12 appearances.

What the Coaches Said

Serneels: “Our pressing must be perfect; any lapse and Italy punish you.”
Soncin: “We’ve prepared for the Belgian intensity. Controlling midfield will be decisive.”

Road to the Knockouts

Group B is wide open. Belgium v Italy is followed by matches against powerhouse Sweden and wildcard Portugal. Three points here minimize pressure later. UEFA’s new format rewards group winners with a direct route to a seeded quarter-final; runners-up face a playoff. A single draw could separate elation from elimination.

Historical Context

While men’s fixtures between these countries stretch back decades, the women’s rivalry has blossomed only recently. Belgium’s first EURO appearance came in 2017, Italy’s in 1993. Despite contrasting histories, their trajectories now intersect: Belgium’s grassroots surge has produced a technical generation, whereas Italy rebuilds with tactical discipline. The 2025 tournament therefore provides the perfect backdrop for a modern classic.

Belgium v Italy: Final Prediction

Expect a cagey opening before Wullaert’s creativity tests Italy’s back line. Conversely, if Girelli receives service between the Belgian centre-backs, a poacher’s finish feels inevitable. Fine margins—likely a set piece or VAR call—could decide the outcome. Our forecast: a 1-1 draw that leaves both camps satisfied yet still searching for a decisive edge.

Opinion: Why This Clash Matters

The beauty of Belgium v Italy lies in the clash of football philosophies—high-energy pressing against patient build-up, youth versus experience. Beyond points, it is a referendum on each nation’s development model. A thrilling, balanced duel like this should accelerate investment in women’s programs across Europe. For the neutral, 3 July offers a tactical masterclass and a reminder that the women’s game now delivers spectacles every bit as engrossing as its male counterpart.