July 3 – The battle to escape Group B gets under way with a clash between two sides looking to disrupt the natural order. Spain may be the headline act, but Italy and Belgium both know this opening game could define their tournament. With pressure mounting and little room for error, expect tension, tactical caution, and the kind of moments that shape group-stage narratives.
This Group B opener has all the makings of a tactical chess match, with both sides well aware that World Champions Spain are the favourites to top the group, with or without star woman Aitana Bonmatí.
Belgium arrive with the psychological edge after recent wins over Italy, but both teams have been plagued by inconsistency and come into the tournament with a point to prove. With qualification likely hinging on this result, expect a clash of Italy’s structured intensity against Belgium’s threat on the break and at set pieces. Fine margins and flashes of individual brilliance may ultimately tip the balance.
Italy’s recent form has been mixed but promising, finishing just two points behind world No. 6 Sweden in their Nations League group. They’re still a work in progress, but the signs of progress are real. Now is the moment to capitalise.
For Belgium, a humbling 5-0 loss to France in a recent friendly served as a reminder of the gulf that still exists between them and the elite. The domestic league remains underdeveloped, with top players – including star striker Tessa Wullaert – plying their trade abroad. She is the team’s talisman, but the Red Flames must be more than a one-woman team.
The good news? She’s fit and starting. And when Wullaert is on the pitch, anything can happen.
Speaking ahead of the match, Belgium head coach Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir said: “We’ll need to be very alert during set pieces. Italy have shown time and again how dangerous they can be in those moments.
“But above all, we mustn’t be caught off guard and trust in our own strengths. It will be an intense battle between two teams who like to attack, so it should be a real treat for the fans.”
Andrea Soncin, Italy coach, added: “There is great passion. It is the term that best describes what we have experienced in this build-up. There is a great desire to start the game, there is awareness, there is confidence. We know that the first game is important to prepare for the following ones.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1751964961labto1751964961ofdlr1751964961owedi1751964961sni@g1751964961niwe.1751964961yrrah1751964961