Arianna Caruso’s excellent strike gave Italy victory over Belgium in their opening match in Group B of Euro 2025.
An even first half yielded few clear chances for either side, with Belgium’s best falling to Tessa Wullaert but her turn and shot in the area found the side-netting.
But a minute before the break, Caruso collected a defence-splitting pass from Lucia di Guglielmo inside the box and finished calmly into the top corner.
Italy came increasingly close to a second in Sion as captain Cristiana Girelli’s cheeky back-heel was well saved by Lisa Lichtfus, before Michela Cambiaghi shot wide when through on goal.
The victory earned Andrea Soncin’s side a precious three points in a tricky group also featuring world champions Spain, who face Portugal later on Thursday.
It also ended a run for Italy of three successive losses to Belgium, while gaining a measure of revenge for Euro 2022 when a 1-0 win for the Red Flames earned them a quarter-final spot and eliminated the Italians.
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