Belgium meet Italy in the opening Group B match at UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
Belgium come into this tournament looking to reach the Quarter-Finals for the second consecutive edition, having first done so in 2022.
Italy meanwhile exited at the Group Stage in their last two appearances in the finals stage of this competition, making this an early must-win for both teams in a group also containing Spain and Portugal.
Team News
Belgium have no fresh injury concerns to report ahead of this game, with Leicester’s Janice Cayman, Sari Kees, West Ham’s Amber Tysiak and recent Everton departee – Justine Vanhaevermaet familIar to UK-based fans.
Italy also have no fresh injury concerns coming into this Group B opener, with Everton’s Aurora Galli the sole Italian called up who doesn’t play for a domestic club in Italy.
When is Kick-Off?
Belgium face Italy at Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, Switzerland, on Thursday 3 July at 6pm CEST (5pm UK Time), live on BBC Two in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Belgium beat Italy 1-0 in their only previous meeting in UEFA Women’s Euro Finals, which came in their final Group C match at the 2022 edition as Tine De Caigny netted a 49th-minute winner.
- Italy are chasing their first victory over Belgium in UEFA Women’s Euro Finals.
- Tessa Wullaert has scored three goals in two of Belgium’s last three matches in all competitions (W2, L1).
- Italy have kept clean sheets in two of their last three matches across all competitions (W2, D1).
Prediction
With Spain widely expected to win this group, this clash is an early six-pointer in what will surely be a three-way fight for the runner-up spot so it is imperative that Belgium tidy up their defence – having kept only two clean sheets this year as they do have a strong attack capable of getting a win here.
Italy meanwhile will cause issues with their attacking play but their defence can be inconsistent which makes them slightly hard to call.
I however do expect both teams to produce a good battle and wouldn’t be surprised if this finishes in a draw.
Prediction: Belgium 1-1 Italy
Result: Belgium 0-1 Italy