- Italy lost a 2-0 lead in the Nations League against Belgium in Rome, but scored at least one point.
- France conceded a temporary equalizer against Israel, but ultimately won 4-1.
- In the Group 2 table, Italy remains leader, France lurks one point behind.
Everything would have been prepared for the third Italian victory in the third Nations League game. The Italians were leading 2-0 against Belgium in Rome shortly before half-time, and the lead was fully deserved. The “Squadra Azzurra” was better in all respects and scored 1-0 after just 60 seconds. Andrea Cambiaso poked the ball over the line. In the 24th minute it was Mateo Retegui who made it 2-0 with a rebound from close range.
But suddenly disaster struck for Italy. After a pass from defense that was too short, Lorenzo Pellegrini reached for the tackle and hit his opponent Arthur Theate with his open sole above the ankle. The referee’s verdict – after video consultation – is expulsion.
Belgium is catching up
And the guests promptly exploited the advantage resulting from the foul. After a neat free kick variation, the ball landed at Maxim de Cuyper, who reduced the score to 1-2 with his first international goal from the edge of the penalty area.
After the break, the Belgians took advantage of their superiority and dominated the game more and more. But they still needed a set piece to equalize: Leandro Trossard scored from a corner to make it 2-2 (61′). There was no further goal – after a strong half, the draw was ultimately the fair result.
France only trembles briefly
France achieved a mandatory victory against Israel. In the 4-1 away win in Budapest, where Israel plays its home games, the French led after just 6 minutes through Eduardo Camavinga. Goalkeeper Omri Glazer, however, was kind enough to help out and let the rather harmless finish pass.
After the surprising 1-1 by Omri Gandelman (24th), France reacted quickly and took the lead again 4 minutes later thanks to Christopher Nkunku. Matteo Guendouzi (87th) and Bradley Barcola (89th) then ensured the clear result late on.
