UEFA Nations League – Lukebakio scores as Belgium defeats Italy 2-0.

The 2026/27 UEFA Nations League Group A kicked off with its first round of group matches, with Belgium defeating Italy 2-0 away from home thanks to goals from Mika Holtz and Lukebakio.

Seven minutes into the match, Belgium launched an attack. De Bruyne played a through ball to De Cerrare, who received the ball and fired a shot from inside the box, but it was saved by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. In the 9th minute, Italian midfielder Barella chipped a pass into the box, where Pio Esposito volleyed the ball despite the defense, but it struck the post.

In the 13th minute, De Klopp passed the ball across the box, and De Bruyne followed up with a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but it was blocked by an opposing player. In the 18th minute, Italy's attack was cleared, and Keane received a pass back from Carafiori at the edge of the penalty area and took a long-range shot, but Belgian goalkeeper Lamens immediately dived to collect the ball.

In the 20th minute, De Bruyne played a through ball to Mika Holtz, who then entered the penalty area and fired a low shot into the net, giving Belgium a 1-0 lead. In the 23rd minute, Belgium continued their attack. De Ceftrare received a pass back from De Bruyne and took a long-range shot, but it was blocked by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. Nicolas Raskin's follow-up shot was also blocked.

In the 28th minute, Castagne chipped a pass from the right wing into the box, where Mika Holtz headed the ball, but it was saved by Italian goalkeeper Donnarumma. In the 36th minute, Italy attempted a counter-attack, with Cambiaghi delivering a cross, and Kean volleying from inside the box, but the ball hit the side netting.

In the 41st minute, Gianluca Mancini passed the ball to Cambiaghi, whose shot was cleared by Belgian goalkeeper Lamens. In the 44th minute, Nathan Ngoi received a pass from De Cateralé and fired a shot, but it went wide.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Italy launched an attack. Cambiaghi passed the ball back from the penalty area, and Kean took a shot, but it was saved by Belgian goalkeeper Lamens. In the 49th minute, Barella passed the ball into the penalty area, and Pio Esposito headed the ball towards goal, but it was cleared by Lamens.

In the 53rd minute, Cambiaghi passed the ball back from the penalty area, and Pio Esposito took a direct shot, but it was blocked by Belgian goalkeeper Lamens. In the 69th minute, De Cateralé chipped the ball to Lukebakio, who then broke through to the edge of the penalty area before firing a long-range shot into the net, giving Belgium a 2-0 lead over Italy.

In the 74th minute, Belgium substituted Chelsea midfielder Lavia for Nicolas Raskin. In the 83rd minute, Italian midfielder Maldini took a corner kick, and Fratesse's header went wide.

In the 87th minute, Italy's corner kick was deflected, and Scalvini's close-range shot hit the post. In the 90th minute, Italy took a free kick, Gianluca Mancini headed the ball across, and Calafiori's shot went wide.

Ultimately, Belgium defeated Italy 2-0 in the first round of the group stage.

Image source: Internet