Italy heads into their penultimate UEFA Nations League Group A2 match against Belgium with confidence, aiming to secure a spot in next year’s finals.
After a stellar autumn campaign, Luciano Spalletti’s Azzurri have taken the top position in the group, just ahead of France, and have shown remarkable consistency since their Euro 2024 exit.
With only one point needed to reach the quarter-finals, Italy’s journey in the Nations League has been impressive.
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Belgium vs. Italy: A Tale of Contrasting Fortunes
In their October meeting, Belgium managed to claw back a 2-2 draw against Italy, showing resilience after going down by two goals. Italy had initially dominated the game, but a red card for Lorenzo Pellegrini shifted the balance, allowing Belgium to level the score.
Now, with Italy leading the group and needing only a point to advance, the stakes are high for the Azzurri, while Belgium holds only a slim chance of making the 2025 Nations League finals.
Under Domenico Tedesco’s guidance, Belgium has struggled to find consistency, with their Nations League hopes dwindling after two losses to France. Despite the talent on the roster, including Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s transition from their “golden generation” remains incomplete, leaving Italy as the favorites in this matchup.
After a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, Luciano Spalletti has reinvigorated Italy, guiding them to the top of Group A2. Italy has demonstrated resilience and flair, including an impressive 4-1 victory over Israel and a hard-fought 3-1 win over France.
This newfound momentum has placed Italy in a favorable position for the Nations League quarter-finals, scheduled for next March.
Spalletti’s tactical adjustments have been crucial to Italy’s success. His emphasis on pressing and dynamic midfield play has allowed Italy to control matches against tough opponents.
As a result, Italy heads to Brussels with high spirits and an advantage over their competition. Belgium, on the other hand, has only managed four points and must contend with several significant absences.
Key Players Missing for Belgium
The club faces a challenging night as several key players are unavailable due to injuries. Notably, Kevin De Bruyne will miss out despite recently returning to club action.
Romelu Lukaku, who withdrew from last month’s squad, is back and expected to start, bringing much-needed firepower to Belgium’s lineup.
Unfortunately, Belgium’s midfield will be without Thomas Meunier, Jeremy Doku, Youri Tielemans, Charles De Ketelaere, and Malick Fofana, leaving Tedesco with fewer options to combat Italy’s strong midfield.
The absence of these key players, along with other knocks carried by Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia and Club Brugge’s Maxim De Cuyper, will likely have a noticeable impact.
The team’s lineup will feature younger talents like Johan Bakayoko and Arthur Vermeeren, who will need to step up against Italy’s seasoned midfield and defense.
Italy’s Strengths and Predicted Lineup
Italy’s lineup boasts a mix of experienced and in-form players. In defense, Riccardo Calafiori, who has been vital for Spalletti, is sidelined due to a knee injury, while Samuele Ricci is unavailable as well.
However, the midfield remains strong with Sandro Tonali, Nicolò Barella, and Manuel Locatelli, who has been called up as a replacement.
Italy’s attacking options also look promising. Both Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean have started the Serie A season in excellent form, giving Spalletti multiple options up front.
Italy’s predicted lineup for this clash looks formidable, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, supported by a backline including Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Alessandro Bastoni.
In midfield, Tonali and Barella will likely support Locatelli, while Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori provide the firepower upfront.
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Italy Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Cambiaso
- Midfielders: Barella, Locatelli, Tonali
- Forwards: Dimarco, Retegui, Raspadori
Belgium’s Predicted Lineup
Belgium is expected to field a young lineup with a few experienced players like Lukaku leading the attack. Koen Casteels will start in goal, with Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Wout Faes, and Arthur Theate forming the backline.
In midfield, the absences may open the door for energetic players like Orel Mangala and Amadou Onana. Tedesco will likely rely on Bakayoko, Lukaku, and Leandro Trossard in a 4-3-3 formation to create scoring chances.
Belgium Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Koen Casteels
- Defenders: Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate
- Midfielders: Mangala, Onana, Vermeeren
- Forwards: Bakayoko, Lukaku, Trossard
Belgium vs. Italy: Score Prediction and Insights
Given Italy’s current form and the Belgian absences, the Azzurri are the favorites in this matchup. Although Belgium has shown glimpses of promise under Tedesco, they remain in transition and are yet to fully move beyond their “golden generation” phase.
Italy, on the other hand, has a well-rounded lineup and a manager who has quickly instilled a winning mentality.
Italy only needs a draw to secure their place in the quarter-finals, but they’ll likely go for a win to solidify their position at the top of the group.
Expect Spalletti’s side to control possession and put pressure on Belgium’s youthful lineup. While Belgium will have moments to counter, Italy’s structure and balance should see them through.
JAMBOBET Prediction: Belgium 1-2 Italy
Where to Watch Belgium vs. Italy
For fans in the United States, the game will be available on fuboTV, Fubo Sports Network, ViX, and Tubi. Canadian viewers can tune in via DAZN Canada, while fans in the United Kingdom may need to follow live updates online, as no channels have been designated for this broadcast.
