The Stadio Olimpico in Rome is set to host a crucial UEFA Nations League clash as Group A2 leaders Italy welcome Belgium on Thursday night. Both sides will be looking to stake their claim for a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Luciano Spalletti’s Italy side have made a dream start to their Nations League campaign, sitting pretty at the top of the group with maximum points from their opening two matches. The Azzurri kicked things off with a stunning 3-1 victory over France in Paris, before following it up with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Israel.
These results have helped Italy put their disappointing Euro 2024 campaign behind them, where they made a tame defense of their title before exiting in the round of 16. Spalletti has injected fresh blood into the squad as he looks to rebuild, with several young talents getting their chance to impress.
“We’ve made a great start but we can’t rest on our laurels,” said Spalletti. “Belgium will provide a stern test and we need to be at our best to get a positive result.”
In contrast, Belgium come into this fixture looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to France last time out. That loss came after an opening 3-1 win over Israel, leaving the Red Devils in third place in the group.
The defeat to France led to some stinging criticism from captain Kevin De Bruyne, who lamented his team’s lack of fight. It has raised questions about the harmony in the Belgian camp under coach Domenico Tedesco.
“We need to show a reaction after the France game,” said Tedesco. “Italy at home is never easy but we have the quality to get a result if we play to our potential.”
The midfield battle could prove crucial, with Italy’s Nicolo Barella likely to come up against Belgium’s Youri Tielemans. Both players possess the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and whoever comes out on top in this duel may well determine the outcome.
Team News
Italy will be without the injured Federico Chiesa, while Moise Kean has withdrawn with a back problem. Spalletti has called up some exciting young talents, including Daniel Maldini and Niccolo Pisilli. Nicolo Barella returns to the midfield after missing September’s fixtures.
Belgium have several high-profile absentees, with Kevin De Bruyne injured and Romelu Lukaku taking a break from international duty. Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard returns to the squad after being overlooked last month.
Expected Starting XIs
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda
Match Prediction
Italy’s perfect start and home advantage make them slight favorites, but Belgium have the quality to cause problems. The Azzurri’s newfound confidence under Spalletti should see them edge a close encounter.
Prediction: Italy 2-1 Belgium
