Referees selected for Italy’s final Nations League group stage clash against Belgium

TORONTO, ONTARIO - JULY 02: Referee Espen Eskas gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Italy have one game to go in their Nations League group following Thursday evening’s 3-1 victory over France in San Siro, and will be officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas when they take on Belgium in Brussels on Sunday evening. 

Italy sit at the top of their Nations League group heading into the final round of group stage fixtures thanks to Thursday’s 3-1 victory over France in San Siro. The Azzurri have 10 points, as do France (behind on goal difference and head-to-head), Belgium have nine points and Turkey are still on zero after five matches. 

Italy just need a draw away against Belgium to guarantee themselves a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. A draw could be enough to finish in first place, but will require a favour from Turkey in their game against France. A win for Italy in Belgium will guarantee their status as group winners. 

Referees appointed for Belgium vs. Italy

It has recently been confirmed that Norwegian official Espen Eskas will be the referee for Italy’s final Nations League group stage clash away against Belgium on Sunday. 

Eskas will be joined by Norwegian assistant referees Jan Erik Engan and Alf Olav Rossland, with fourth official Sigur Kringstad, also from Norway. 

German official Christian Dingert will be the VAR and will be assisted by Norwegian Kristoffer Hagenes. 

Curiously, Eskas has already refereed a game between Italy and Belgium before, ending in a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico back in October 2024, also in the Nations League group stage under the reign of Luciano Spalletti. 

Italy had led by two goals in that game thanks to Andrea Cambiaso and Mateo Retegui, but conceded twice before full-time after Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off after a VAR review that saw his yellow card for a foul on Arthur Theate upgraded to a red.