Roberto Mancini became the fastest coach to reach 30 wins with Italy in all competitions, needing just 44 games to reach this milestone.

Belgium are Nicolò Barella’s favourite opponents in an Italy shirt; two of his seven goals for the Azzurri have come against the Red Devils.

Barella scored his seventh goal for the Azzurri. During Mancini’s tenure, only Immobile and Belotti (both on eight) have scored more.

Half of Domenico Berardi’s goals for Italy have come in the UEFA Nations League (3 from a total of 6); he is the Azzurri’s top goalscorer in the competition.

The goal scored by Berardi from the spot was his first from a dead ball situation for Italy; the other five have all come from open play.

Italy have won eight of their 13 games against Belgium on Italian soil in all competitions (D4, L1).

Italy are unbeaten in seven of their eight competitive matches against Belgium (W5, D2) – friendlies not included.

Two of Italy’s last three victories after 90 minutes have come against Belgium.

Barella’s effort was Italy’s first goal from a corner since Bonucci in the EURO 2020 final – the Azzurri had, since then, score ten consecutive goals from open play.

Italy have won three of their last four UEFA Nations League matches (L1), one more win than in their previous eight games in the competition (D5, L1).