Boost for Belgium as Italy lose at home again

November 13, 1999
Reuters

LECCE, Italy - Euro 2000 co-hosts Belgium pulled off a shock 3-1 win over Italy in an international friendly on Saturday.

Two goals in the final 20 minutes condemned Italy to their second consecutive home defeat, following their 3-2 European qualifying loss to Denmark in August.

Belgium took a surprise lead in the sixth minute when Branko Strupar met a corner from Marc Wilmots with a firm header and a well-positioned Gilles De Bilde headed in from close range.

The Sheffield Wednesday striker's goal was a fine example of the art of poaching, but Italy's equaliser was truly spectacular.

Parma left winger Paolo Vanoli, making his debut for Italy, pounced on Mbo Mpenza's headed clearance and his rocketing drive from 20 metres out gave Belgium's Ronald Gaspercic no chance.

An uneven playing surface hampered both sides but Italy came close to taking the lead six minutes before the break when Filippo Inzaghi's diving header from a Vanoli cross flashed narrowly wide.

After the break Italy enjoyed the bulk of possession and Belgium defender Lorenzo Staelens was forced to clear off his line after Alessandro Del Piero had latched on to a fine through ball from Diego Fuser.

But Italy, missing five key players including Paolo Maldini and Christian Vieri, never looked comfortable with an experimental three man defence and the Belgians took full advantage in the closing period.

In the 70th minute Marc Wilmots headed home a right wing cross from Udinese full back Regis Genaux to give Belgium the lead.

Italy pushed forward in an attempt to rescue a face-saving draw but there was always the danger that Belgium, effective on the counter-attack, would add further punishment.

Five minutes from time that happened when the impressive Yves Vanderhaeghe fired in a low shot which Gianluigi Buffon could only parry out and Bart Goor followed in to seal the win.
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