Referee team announced for Italy vs Belgium

Italy will face Belgium in Brussels on Sunday evening in the final match of their Nations League group. The Azzurri secured top spot in the group after beating France 3-1 at San Siro on Thursday evening. Italy and France are level on 10 points each, but Italy are ahead on goal difference and head-to-head record. Belgium have nine points, while Türkiye still have zero points after five matches.

If Italy draw in Belgium, they will guarantee their place in the quarter-finals. A draw could also be enough for the group win, but in that case Türkiye would need a result against France. A win in Belgium would make Italy group winners.

The referee appointments for the match have also been announced. Norwegian Espen Eskas will be assisted by his compatriots Jan Erik Engan and Alf Olav Rossland. The fourth official will be Sigur Kringstad. German Christian Dingert will serve as VAR, with Norwegian Kristoffer Hagenes assisting him.

Eskas has previously refereed a match between the two teams. The October 2024 game at the Stadio Olimpico, played under Luciano Spalletti in the Nations League group stage, ended 2-2. Italy had gone two goals ahead through Andrea Cambiaso and Mateo Retegui. However, after a VAR review for a foul on Arthur Theate, Lorenzo Pellegrini's yellow card was upgraded to a red and he was sent off. Italy conceded two goals before the final whistle.