Arianna Caruso curls home stunner as Italy see off Belgium to win Euro 2025 opener

Belgium were arguably the stronger of the two teams for the bulk of the first half, frustrating their opponents with a compact 5-4-1 formation. Even committing so many resources at the back, the Belgians were able to break at pace, and had created the only clear-cut chance of the game until the very end of the half. The Red Flames record scorer and captain Tessa Wullaert rippling the side netting of Laura Giuliani's goal in the 41st minute.

Italy took the lead just a few moments later. The previously regimented Belgium defence was compromised when left wing back Laura Deloose tried to break on a 50:50 as Italy looked to switch the play. She was pipped to the ball by Lucia Di Guglielmo, who in turn found Caruso at the edge of the area in acres of space. The midfielder took a moment to steady her feet, before powering fizzing, curling effort into the top corner.

Belgium again looked the brighter of the two sides after the break, but despite finding Wullaert in the Italian box on multiple occasions, again the Red Flames struggled to fashion any clear-cut chances. It was Italy who almost doubled their lead somewhat against the run of play in the 65th minute, when Christina Girelli flicked a near post cross towards the Belgian goal, forcing an instinctive save out of Lisa Lichtfus.

Italy frustrated their opponents, breaking Belgium's momentum with repeated injury stoppages of questionable authenticity. The stilted rhythm frustrated the Belgians, and emboldened the Italians, who again should have doubled their lead when Michela Cambiaghi fired wide from the edge of the box in the 80th minute. She was again denied a few moments later, as her curled effort was tipped round the post by the impressive Lichtfus.

With no clear-cut chances in they dying embers, Belgium will rue a missed chance to gain a foothold in this tournament.

Bayern Munich midfielder Caruso took her goal with composure and power. It was a moment of brilliance in a first half that was lacking on quality in the final third.

Laura Deloose decided to come and get the ball in the middle of the park in the build-up to Italy's goal, she simply had to win it. Her decision set off a chain reaction of poor decisions by the Belgium defence, allowing Caruso to ghost into a shooting position. In a game plan built on defensive discipline, a momentary lapse in concentration was The Red Flames undoing.

Belgium have a horrible assignment to follow up this loss; a date with tournament favourites Spain on Monday. Italy will look to build on their momentum when they take on Portugal later that evening.