Belgium beat Italy as Kevin De Bruyne scores - friendlies round-up

Kevin De Bruyne celebrates after scoring a goal in Belgium's 3-1 friendly win against Italy.

Kevin De Bruyne and Michy Batshuayi gave Belgium their first victory as the world's top-ranked nation with a late strike to secure a 3-1 win over Italy in Brussels.

"I don't want to overexert him, also out of respect for Manchester City", Wilmots said.

A largely full-strength Italy took the lead inside three minutes when Belgium keeper Simon Mignolet, given a rare start, pulled off a great low save to deny Graziano Pelle, but could only push the ball to Antonio Candreva for a simple tap-in.

Candreva should have doubled Italy's lead moments later only for Mignolet to palm the Lazio winger's angled striker over the bar.

Vertonghen collected Romelu Lukaka's mis-hit cross to fire just wide of Buffon's net and minutes later Buffon gave away a corner when he panicked and hit the ball out while trying to pass to a defender.

Belgium capped their comeback when Yannick Carrasco and Batshuayi combined through the centre for another excellent goal.

Back in 1985, the Heysel Stadium played host to the European Cup final, which was contested by Liverpool and Juventus.

"Players will have a chance to show themselves", Wilmots said.

ITALY and Belgium paused their match on 39 minutes to take part in a fitting tribute to the 39 victims of the Heysel disaster.

Belgium continue to push for the second goal and went agonisingly close in the 62nd minute when Eder struck the woodwork from close range. In the absence of captain Vincent Kompany, the defense often looked wobbly, especially with Trabzonspor's Luis Pedro Cavanda insecure on the right.

Italy was without the injured Marco Verratti and are struggling to find a replacement in the playmaker position, meaning Andrea Pirlo, who is 36 and playing in the United States, could still play a major role.