Belgium vs Italy Player Ratings: De Bruyne 8.8/10 as Red Devils Fight Back to Down Azzurri

Quick Summary Table

Italy led after 11 minutes, and Belgium national football team needed only 15 more to turn it round. Maxim De Cuyper levelled on 15, Nathan Ngoy scored his first international goal on 22, and Jeremy Doku dribbled through three white shirts for a third on 26, on his 50th cap. Diego Moreira’s first international goal on 80 made it 4-1 and, per the live commentary, sent Belgium to the Nations League quarter-finals.

Kevin De Bruyne tops the player ratings at 8.8/10 as man of the match. The 35-year-old had the most shots and chances created, and he rolled the pass for Moreira’s goal after Gianluigi Donnarumma kept out his efforts on 43 and 64 minutes. Belgium outshot Italy 18 to seven.

Giorgio Scalvini’s 5.0/10 makes him the worst player on the pitch. He was booked on 51 for fouling Doku, Italy national football team’s second caution for the same reason, and was replaced by debutant Alphadjo Cisse on 62. Italy needed only a draw, and Francesco Pio Esposito’s stoppage-time penalty was saved by Senne Lammens. Check out the Belgium vs Italy player ratings.

Italy National Football Team Player Ratings vs Belgium

Have a look at the Italy national football team player ratings from the Belgium vs Italy player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Donnarumma - 5.5: Conceded four, yet still produced several sharp stops, which says a lot. We saw him bail Italy out repeatedly, especially against De Bruyne and Doku. His shot-stopping reflexes remained strong, but his positioning on the first couple of goals felt hesitant. The chaos at corners clearly rattled him, and communication with his defence looked off. The yellow card late on summed up his frustration and lack of calm. From our perspective, he was more a victim of structural failings than the main culprit.

Defenders

Michael Kayode - 6.5: Started brilliantly with a superb assist for Esposito, attacking the flank with real intent. We noticed his energy and timing in advanced areas gave Belgium problems early. Defensively though, he struggled once Doku and Moreira began rotating into his channel. The repeated fouls he conceded showed a defender slightly out of his comfort zone. His passing accuracy remained high, which kept Italy’s buildup tidy on that side. Overall, it was a mixed performance, but the assist and work rate justify a respectable rating.

Giorgio Scalvini - 5: This was a rough night for the young defender, and we felt his nerves. Early on he looked composed on the ball, completing every pass, but his timing in duels was inconsistent. The yellow card on 51 minutes changed his whole body language, he suddenly played scared. Belgium targeted him with aerials and second balls, and he never quite adjusted. His substitution on 62 minutes felt inevitable rather than tactical experimentation. From our perspective, he simply struggled with Belgium’s intensity and movement.

Riccardo Calafiori - 5.5: One of Italy’s better passers on the night, calm under pressure and progressive. We noticed how often he stepped into midfield zones to carry the ball forward. Yet defensively, he got dragged wide by runners and left spaces in dangerous areas. His duels were very 50–50, and he lacked that dominant presence in the box. When Belgium loaded set pieces, he did not impose himself enough against physical targets. A tidy but ultimately insufficient display given the scoreline and volume of chances conceded.

Alessandro Bastoni - 5: Bastoni had one of his more erratic nights in an Italy shirt, surprisingly so. He made several important clearances but also produced a key error that invited pressure. We noticed his long passing still opened angles, yet his defensive decision-making lagged. The foul count and being dribbled past showed Belgium’s forwards sensed weakness. He looked uncomfortable defending set pieces despite his usual aerial strength. From our perspective, he never imposed leadership at the back when Italy needed it most.

Midfielders

Sandro Tonali - 6: Tonali’s night was a strange blend of control and chaos. On the ball he was crisp, barely misplacing passes and delivering a fine cross to Pisilli before halftime. We noticed his positioning was usually correct defensively, but he arrived late into some challenges. The yellow card just before the break felt inevitable after a series of nibbles. Once booked, his aggression toned down and Belgium exploited the spaces around him. Subbed on 62 minutes, he left the pitch looking visibly frustrated, almost annoyed at his own rashness.

Nicolò Fagioli - 6: Started brightly and tested Lammens with a decent low effort early on. His passing between the lines gave Italy some structure in the first half. We noticed though that his influence faded once Belgium tightened their press. The duels were limited, and he sometimes avoided more risky forward carries. Substituted at halftime, maybe more for tactical reshaping than poor play. From our perspective, he offered control but lacked that extra spark this chaotic game demanded.

Nicolò Barella - 6: Barella worked tirelessly, you could see his frustration every time Italy lost second balls. He tried to knit things together with sharp passing and frequent switches of play. Defensively he tracked runners but sometimes arrived a step late, conceding a few fouls. We noticed his body language, always waving teammates forward, desperate to inject tempo. Eight passes in the final third show he tried to push Italy upfield. Still, against Belgium’s athletic midfield, he looked more reactive than dominant.

Forwards

Pio Esposito - 7.5: For us, Pio Esposito was Italy’s standout outfield performer by some distance. His goal was a superbly taken strike, arrowed into the top corner with confidence. We noticed how relentless he was in duels, constantly battling centre-backs and pressing. Yes, he lost possession often, but that came from constantly trying to make things happen. His hold-up play created fouls and gave Italy chances to breathe. From our perspective, in a 4-1 defeat, he can still walk away proud.

Niccolò Pisilli - 6: The first half almost turned into a breakout half for Pisilli. He forced a big save early, then headed wide just before halftime from a decent Tonali cross. We noticed his movement between the lines was clever, always sniffing for second balls. However, he lacked composure in the final moment, particularly with that big missed chance. Off the ball he worked but sometimes switched off tracking runners. Subbed at the break, his night ends with “what if” written all over it.

Luca Koleosho - 6.5: Koleosho’s dribbling was one of Italy’s few consistent attacking weapons. He beat defenders several times, especially early in the second half, driving inside aggressively. We noticed his decision-making still needs polish, as possession was lost frequently. His cross to Doumbia created a dangerous blocked shot, underlining his threat. Off the ball he pressed but sometimes committed cheap fouls. Overall, a lively yet raw performance that hinted at a higher ceiling.

Substitutes

Federico Dimarco - 6: Came on at halftime and immediately started shooting from distance and inside the box. We noticed his left foot gave Italy a different dimension, though his efforts were blocked. Defensively, he had to cope with Moreira and overlapping runs, which is never easy. His crossing threat wasn’t fully realised because Italy struggled to sustain pressure. Still, he brought intent and urgency that the first-half wide players sometimes lacked. From our perspective, he did about as much as circumstances allowed.

Issa Doumbia - 6: Introduced at the break to add physicality and drive from midfield. His first involvement was a blocked shot from inside the box, showing positive positioning. We noticed his pressing intensity, always hunting the ball carrier aggressively. However, his influence waned as Belgium regained control and pushed Italy deeper. He also struggled a bit to match the tempo of Belgium’s passing triangles. A decent cameo, but not enough to tilt the momentum back.

Alphadjo Cisse - 6: Came on around the hour mark and almost scored with a late header. That chance at 86 minutes, flashing just wide, could have changed the tone slightly. We noticed his aerial presence gave Italy a different outlet from crosses. Defensively he competed well but still looked a bit raw in positioning. With more minutes at this level he might grow into a useful option. For now, it was a promising but incomplete cameo.

Marco Palestra - 6: Entered alongside Cisse and contributed immediately with energetic forward surges. His cross for Cisse’s header was one of Italy’s best second-half moments. We noticed he tried to calm possession under pressure, rarely rushing a pass. Defensively he conceded a corner but otherwise held his own reasonably. In truth, the game’s state limited his impact, with Belgium already in control. Still, he showed composure that suggests a player worth further minutes.

Antonio Vergara - 6: Came on late and quickly found himself in a shooting position inside the box. His effort was blocked, but the timing of his runs impressed us. He looked eager, constantly demanding the ball in advanced pockets. Off the ball his pressing angles were smart, forcing Belgium into a few rushed clearances. With more rhythm he might have turned one of those touches into a goal. As a short cameo, it was quietly encouraging despite the heavy defeat.

Manager

R. Mancini - 5: From our perspective, Mancini got the first 15 minutes right but the rest wrong. Italy’s initial press and wide overloads unsettled Belgium, leading to the opening goal. However, once Belgium adjusted, Italy’s defensive structure unravelled alarmingly. The team never looked comfortable defending corners or tracking runners from midfield. His halftime changes improved energy but not organisation, especially against transitions. Ultimately, conceding four in a Nations League tie raises tough questions about game management.

Belgium National Football Team Player Ratings vs Italy

Here are the Belgium national football team player ratings from the Belgium vs Italy player ratings.

Goalkeeper

Senne Lammens - 7: Lammens conceded once but pulled off two huge saves early on. His stops from Pisilli and Fagioli kept Belgium alive when they were wobbling. We noticed his handling was calm under pressure, especially on crosses and loose balls. Distribution was a bit erratic, with many long balls going astray. Still, he commanded his area better as the game progressed, claiming high balls confidently. From our perspective, he laid the platform for Belgium’s comeback with those early interventions.

Defenders

Brandon Mechele - 7.5: Mechele quietly produced one of the most assured defensive performances on the pitch. He read danger early, stepping in with timely clearances and blocks. His passing was almost immaculate, barely misplacing anything under Italy’s press. We noticed his calm demeanour, continuously organising the line and guiding younger teammates. He even threatened at the other end with a header forcing Donnarumma into action. A real leader’s display, blending composure with understated steel.

Maxim De Cuyper - 8: For us, Maxim De Cuyper was right up there with the very best performers. He scored the crucial equaliser, arriving sharply to finish from close range. His crossing was consistently dangerous, delivering three accurate balls from wide areas. We noticed his engine, constantly shuttling up and down without ever looking tired. Defensively he stayed switched on, recovering possession several times with smart positioning. Overall, an excellent two-way full-back performance, and one of Belgium’s key outlets.

Nathan Ngoy - 7.5: Ngoy’s goal tilted the entire match, and we felt its impact instantly. He attacked the corner with conviction, burying his finish high into the net. Beyond the goal, his passing out from the back was impressively precise. We noticed a couple of shaky aerial moments, but he generally coped well. His anticipation and interceptions helped Belgium sustain pressure in Italy’s half. A strong, maturing display from a defender still learning elite-level rhythms.

Timothy Castagne - 7: Castagne embodied steady reliability with occasional bursts of attacking quality. He picked up an assist with a clever pass in the final third and created another big chance that went begging. We noticed his work rate tracking back, often covering for advanced teammates. His early foul and a few lost duels didn’t shake his confidence. On the ball he kept things simple, recycling possession and choosing his moments to overlap. From our perspective, he provided the balance every high-flying side needs.

Midfielders

Roméo Lavia - 7: Lavia anchored the midfield with maturity beyond his years. His passing tempo, short and sharp, kept Belgium ticking under pressure. We noticed how often he screened passing lanes and intercepted Italian build-up. When he stepped forward, he linked nicely with De Bruyne and Tielemans. Physically, he competed hard, winning most of his duels and tackles cleanly. Subbed late, he left with the game fully under Belgian control.

Kevin De Bruyne - 8.8: From our perspective, Kevin De Bruyne was the unofficial man of the match. He orchestrated everything, from tempo control to killer passes in behind. Five key passes, an assist, and several dangerous shots underlined his influence. We noticed his frustration early on when teammates missed runs, yet he never hid. The woodwork denied him a deserved goal, but his passing destroyed Italy’s shape. In this kind of form, he remains one of world football’s ultimate difference-makers.

Youri Tielemans - 7.5: Tielemans quietly stitched together Belgium’s midfield with classic metronome play. His passing accuracy was outstanding, rarely misplacing even under Italian pressure. We noticed his clever positioning, always available for the simple outlet. He should probably have scored with his close-range miss after a corner. Yet his set-piece delivery and through balls continually asked questions of Italy’s defence. As captain, his composure helped settle the team after Italy’s early opener.

Jérémy Doku - 8.5: Doku was a nightmare for Italy all night, pure chaos on the left flank. We saw defenders constantly backing off, unsure whether to dive in or hold. Seven successful dribbles only tell part of the story; his movement shredded structures. His goal, coolly finished into the corner, capped a relentless first-half display. Yes, he lost possession often, but that came with his high-risk, high-reward style. From our perspective, he shared top billing with De Bruyne as Belgium’s most electric threat.

Diego Moreira - 8: Moreira started a bit erratically, missing a couple of early chances and snatching shots. But as the game settled, he became increasingly influential on and off the ball. His goal, finishing off a devastating counter, showcased composure and timing. We noticed his defensive work too, tracking back and making key tackles. Hitting the woodwork and testing Donnarumma several times showed his constant threat. Overall, a performance bursting with energy and end product.

Forwards

Charles De Ketelaere - 8: De Ketelaere delivered the kind of all-round display Belgian fans crave from him. Two assists and a shot off the bar highlighted his attacking influence. We noticed his improved aggression in duels, even if he still lost a few. His link-up with De Cuyper and Doku down the left was delightful. He drifted intelligently into half-spaces, dragging Italian defenders out of shape. From our perspective, this was one of his more complete performances at international level.

Substitutes

Nicolas Raskin - 6.5: Came on to replace Lavia and keep the midfield intensity high. We noticed his immediate bite in tackles and willingness to press forward. On the ball he kept things simple, rarely overcomplicating in dangerous zones. His presence ensured Italy never found rhythm through the centre late on. It wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what Belgium needed at that stage. A solid cameo that maintained, rather than altered, the game’s direction.

Leandro Trossard - 6: Introduced very late, with the result already beyond doubt. He still showed a couple of sharp touches and positional intelligence. We noticed him drifting inside to combine rather than hugging the touchline. With limited time, there was little chance to influence the scoreline. Still, his cameo helped Belgium keep the ball and run down the clock. Nothing spectacular, just quietly professional minutes.

Dodi Lukébakio - 6: Like Trossard, Lukébakio entered in the closing stages. He offered direct runs in behind, forcing Italy’s tired defenders to keep tracking. We noticed his willingness to press, even with the game effectively done. A couple of touches hinted at his pace, though no clear chances arrived. His role was mainly to maintain threat and stretch Italy’s back line. A routine, workmanlike cameo rather than a headline-grabbing one.

Arthur Theate - 6: Brought on to see out the final minutes and add defensive security. We noticed his communication, constantly pointing and talking teammates through situations. With Italy chasing late corners, his aerial presence was reassuring. He kept things simple, clearing danger rather than taking risks. There wasn’t much time to fully judge, but he did his job cleanly. From our perspective, he closed the door just as Italy tried a last push.

Manager

M. van Bommel - 8: Van Bommel reacted superbly after Belgium went behind early. He encouraged his side to double down on pressing and wide overloads. We noticed how the team targeted Italy’s weakness at set pieces and second balls. His trust in Doku and Moreira to keep attacking was rewarded handsomely. Substitutions were sensible, maintaining intensity without disrupting structure. From our perspective, he out-coached Mancini once the game moved into chaos.

Belgium vs Italy Man of the Match: Kevin De Bruyne (8.8/10)

Kevin De Bruyne earned Man of the Match with an 8.8 rating. His blocked shot on 15 minutes fell to Castagne for the cutback behind De Cuyper’s equaliser, and his corner on 22 was headed down for Ngoy. On 80, he waited and rolled a short pass across for Moreira. Donnarumma diverted his drive onto the post on 43 and saved a low effort on 64.

Worst Player in Belgium vs Italy: Giorgio Scalvini (5.0/10)

Italy defender Giorgio Scalvini was the lowest-rated player on the pitch at 5.0/10. He needed help from Kayode to deal with a Doku break on 38, and Belgium scored three times while he was on the pitch (15', 22', 26'). He was booked on 51 for hauling down Doku and replaced by Cisse on 62.