Italy Vs Belgium: Nations League Preview

Italy will face Belgium on Thursday in Rome. Both teams aim to build a strong start in the UEFA Nations League. After a bad defense of their European title during the summer, The Azzurri have bounced back with consecutive wins against France and Israel. After these wins, Italy occupies the top spot in their group with six points.

Italy Vs. Belgium: Preview

After an inconsistent start as Italy’s team manager, Luciano Spalletti has identified his strongest lineup, and the players are adapting to his style. Those two victories showed this progress as Italy sought to solidify its group position. Luciano Spalletti is eager to occupy a top-two spot in the table, which would guarantee a place to Italy in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Belgium heads to Rome, aiming to regain momentum in their pursuit of a top-two finish after a setback in the previous international break. After opening with a strong victory over Israel, the Red Devils suffered a defeat to France in their second match, prompting star player Kevin De Bruyne to criticize the team’s strategy.

Italy Vs. Belgium: Match Details

Match: Belgium Vs Italy

Date and Time: October 10, 2024 at 7:45 pm UK

Stadium: Stadio Olimpico

Italy Vs. Belgium: Team News And Head To Head

Italy

Luciano Spalletti has called five uncapped players, including Daniel Maldini—son of Azzurri icon Paolo Maldini—and Roma’s young midfielder Niccolo Pisilli. Federico Chiesa is still out because he isn’t match-fit, while Atalanta BC’s Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are recovering from ACL injuries. Furthermore, Fiorentina’s in-form striker Moise Kean has pulled out due to a back injury.

Lorenzo Lucca, who has scored five goals in nine appearances for Udinese this season, will step in for Kean, while key midfielder Nicolo Barella returns after missing last month’s Nations League games due to sinus surgery.

Belgium

Meanwhile, Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco, who comes from Calabria but was raised in Germany, will be without several important players as he heads back to his native land. Former Roma player Romelu Lukaku will not play at Stadio Olimpico. He has taken a break from the national team until 2025 to focus on getting fit for his new club, Napoli.

Tedesco has summoned three players who play in Italy, including Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and Juventus winger Samuel Mbangula, who made his senior debut in August and scored in his first Serie A game. Lois Openda is expected to start in the attack in the absence of Romelu Lukaku.

Head To Head

Italy and Belgium have met 24 times in history, with Italy significantly leading the series by winning 16 of those matchups. Belgium has achieved four victories. In their most recent six encounters across all competitions, Belgium has won just once against Italy. Italy has netted at least one goal in each of their last eight matches against Belgium. Furthermore, Belgium has claimed only one win in their last four matches overall and has not scored in three of those games.

Possible Starting Lineup

Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui

Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda

Italy Vs. Belgium: Prediction

Belgium is missing several key players, such as their goalkeeper, influential midfielders, and strikers. Consequently, their shortage of talented individuals could result in communication challenges within the current squad. Italy’s team is progressing under Luciano Spalletti, presenting another important challenge for the former Napoli manager as he tests his optimal lineup. With the benefit of home advantage, the Azzurri are anticipated to achieve a narrow victory over Belgium, reinforcing their status as group leaders.

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