Italy launched their Euro 2025 campaign with a composed and confident display in their Group B opener in Sion, edging past Belgium 1–0 thanks to a moment of brilliance from Arianna Caruso.

Caruso’s sublime first-half strike was the decisive moment in a tightly contested match against a disciplined Belgian side. As the match balanced on a knife edge, it was always likely to be settled by a flash of quality — and Caruso delivered just that.

Operating as Italy’s midfield metronome, the Juventus playmaker dictated proceedings with composure and flair. Her goal came after a flowing move: bursting forward, she latched onto Lucia Di Guglielmo’s precise pass on the edge of the area before bending a beautiful curling effort beyond Belgium goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus.

The sheer elegance of the goal was mirrored by the majestic backdrop of the Swiss Alps surrounding the picturesque Stade de Tourbillon. Both sides understood the high stakes attached to this opening fixture, which promised much and delivered in moments.

Since Andrea Soncin took charge in September 2023, the Azzurre have undergone a process of tactical and personnel renewal. Under his stewardship, Italy have evolved into a more technically assured and creative outfit, evident in their recent performances, including a win over Germany and a second-place finish in the Nations League.

Against Belgium, Soncin deployed a back three of Martina Lenzini, Cecilia Salvai and Elena Linari to counter the Red Flames’ potent transitions. Italy had suffered a setback earlier in the week with the injury-enforced absence of forward Chiara Beccari, but the attacking burden was carried ably by veteran striker and captain Cristiana Girelli. The 35-year-old, top scorer in Serie A Femminile last season, is playing in her fourth European Championship and continues to defy the years.

Belgium, however, presented a stern test. Under head coach Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir, the side have impressed in recent months, not least with a dramatic 3–2 victory over England in April. They also held the historical edge over Italy in recent meetings, including a narrow win in the group stage at Euro 2022 that secured their passage to the quarter-finals.

Their talisman Tessa Wullaert, known for her relentless energy and goalscoring instinct, posed a constant threat, particularly on the counter, combining effectively with full-back Jill Janssens. Both had good chances to open the scoring in the first half but were guilty of wayward finishing.

Midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet was dominant in the centre of the pitch, using her physicality to great effect. BBC commentator Vicki Sparks aptly noted she “towered over the Italians much like the mountains of Sion”.

Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of Portuguese and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain earlier that morning. The emotional tribute set a sombre tone for the match, the first of four games in which tributes will be paid over the next two days.

Belgium started brightly, controlling possession and dictating tempo in the early stages. But as the first half wore on, Italy grew into the contest, pressing higher and forcing errors from the Belgian defence. Their persistence paid off a minute before the break with Caruso’s stunning finish — a psychological blow from which Belgium struggled to recover.

The second half turned scrappy, littered with stoppages and fouls. Lichtfus produced two smart saves to keep Belgium in the match — denying a clever back-heeled attempt from Girelli and later thwarting substitute Michela Cambiaghi.

Italy saw out the match with maturity, securing a valuable three points ahead of a crucial fixture against Portugal. Belgium, meanwhile, face a daunting clash with Spain as they look to salvage their tournament hopes.