Belgium vs Italy: UEFA Nations League Preview

Italy is set to face Belgium as the action in League A Group 2 heats up on Thursday. The Azzurri just need to stop their hosts from winning at Stade Roi Baudouin to make the quarter-final. For the Belgians, it’s a must-win situation, as they have only managed to earn four points so far.

Belgium vs Italy: Match Details

Match: Belgium vs Italy

Date & Time: 14th November 2024 – (19:45 UTC / 20:45 CET)

Stadium: Stade Roi Baudouin stadium, Brussels city, Belgium

Belgium vs Italy: Preview

Belgium played against France for the second time in just a month during matchday four of Group 2. They were eager to secure a victory after suffering disappointing losses in both the Nations League and Euro 2024. The Red Devils, however, lost 2-1 after an exciting match in Brussels that saw Lois Openda score late in the first half stoppage time and Youri Tielemans miss a penalty. Belgium managed to come back and tie 2-2 in Italy, even after playing over 50 minutes against just ten players. Their only victory to date is a 3-1 win over Israel back in September on neutral ground.

Following a disappointing performance at the Euros, the revamped Italy team has been dominant in Group 2. They have collected 10 points out of a possible 12 and are now close to advancing. To secure a spot in the quarter-finals, they just need to avoid losing in Belgium. Last month, they missed a chance when they blew a two-goal lead after Lorenzo Pellegrini received a red card. The draw kept them at the top of the table, and the Azzurri followed up with a solid performance, winning 4-1 against Israel in Udine. Giovanni Di Lorenzo scored two goals, while Mateo Retegui, the leading scorer in Serie A, added another from the penalty spot.

Belgium vs Italy: Team News

Belgium’s coach, Domenico Tedesco, will be without many key players. However, he will be happy to have top scorer Romelu Lukaku back after he missed out last month. Captain Kevin De Bruyne leads a notable group of absentees, including Thomas Meunier, Jeremy Doku, Charles De Ketelaere, Youri Tielemans, and Malick Fofana. On the other hand, Romeo Lavia and Club Brugge left-back Maxim De Cuyper, who netted a fantastic goal against Italy in October, are uncertain due to fitness issues, even though they have reported for duty. Tedesco has brought in Juventus young talent Samuel Mbangula, along with Albert Sambi Lokonga, Killian Sardella, and Arthur Vermeeren to fill the gaps in the squad.

Italy’s injury report includes Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Torino’s Samuele Ricci. They join long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini, who are not expected to come back until 2025. Manuel Locatelli has been called up to take Ricci’s place and will battle with Lazio’s Nicolo Rovella for a spot in midfield, joining Nicolo Barella, Davide Frattesi, and Sandro Tonali. However, Roma’s captain, Lorenzo Pellegrini, has been left out. Two in-form strikers are competing for a spot in the starting lineup. Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean, who netted a hat-trick for a strong Fiorentina side last week, are looking to impress Luciano Spalletti. However, Spalletti might be cautious about putting them together against tough opponents.

Belgium vs Italy: Possible Starting Lineups

Belgium: Casteels (GK), Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate, Mangala, Onana, Vermeeren, Bakayoko, Lukaku, Trossard

Italy: Donnarumma (GK), Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Cambiaso, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco, Raspadori, Retegui

Conclusion

Belgium has only managed to secure one victory in their four matches to date, making Thursday’s game crucial for them. They need to grab at least one point to stay in the race for a top-two finish. The Red Devils found the back of the net in three out of their last four matches, and they have a solid scoring history against the Italians. Despite a troubled Belgium team facing injuries and player withdrawals, Romelu Lukaku is familiar with his rivals and could come to the rescue for his country once more. Italy only needs one point to advance, so a tie is the most probable outcome when these teams meet again. My prediction: Belgium 2-2 Italy