Udogie 1-0 Trossard: Spurs man earns bragging rights over Gunner rival

By Alessandro Schiavone at Stade Roi Baudoin, Brussels

Nations League Matchday 5

Belgium 0-1 Italy

Goals: Tonali 11'' (I)

Destiny Udogie can at least enjoy a laugh at Leandro Trossard. At last. As Italy eased to a 1-0 victory over Belgium in Brussels courtesy of Sandro Tonali converting Giovanni Di Lorenzo's cutback when the game was barely 11 minutes old.

After ending up on the losing side in the north London derby two months ago today, Tottenham's left-back can finally take solace in flooring a Gunner.

But as the saying goes "you're at your weakest just after you scored", Italy's net could have rippled a couple of times in half-two.

The Italians were decent without being spectacular in the first period before Domenico Tedesco's men raced out of the traps.

But like so often they did not have their shooting boots on. Zeno Debast tested Gianluigi Donnarumma, who could have turned up with a pipe, dressing gown and slippers in the first-half, with a long-ranger shortly after the restart. But Italy's number one was equal to it, producing s fine save and holding on to the shot.

Arsenal winger Trossard then blazed a shot over before his volley on the turn found in Donnarumma a stubborn customer.

Meanwhile Mateo Retegui gave signs of life when he latched onto Davide Frattesi's ball in behind Debast. But Koen Casteels did just enough to divert it away from goal and behind for a corner.

Looking increasingly jittery in defence, Italy sailed close to the wind on numerous occasions.

But ex-Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku's flicked header flashed just wide before Wout Faes saw his own coup de tête cannon off the crossbar.

A draw would probably have been the fairer result.

But Udogie, who replaced Inter star Federico Dimarco on 69 minutes, couldn't care less.

His next goal now is to close the gap to Trossard and Arsenal who lie three points ahead in the Premier League standings.

That's easier said than done though for spursy Tottenham who may never know when they are beaten. But are like a disloyal partner whom you just can't trust.