Italy and Belgium meet in what promises to be an exciting UEFA Nations League clash at Stadio Olimpico. Italy, buoyed by their strong start to the campaign, aim to continue their good form against a Belgian side struggling to reclaim their dominance. This fixture is key for both teams as they seek crucial points in Group A2.
Italy Recent Form
Italy come into this match in high spirits, having secured two wins from their opening Nations League fixtures.
A 3-1 victory over France in Paris followed by a 2-1 triumph against Israel shows their attacking ability and resilience at the back. Despite an underwhelming EURO 2024 campaign, Luciano Spalletti’s side look revitalised and determined to make an impact in this competition.
Injury and Team News
Italy have added fresh faces to their squad, with six players earning their first international call-ups.
Notable names include Matteo Gabbia and Daniel Maldini. Mateo Retegui, currently Serie A’s joint-top scorer, will be Italy’s focal point in attack. Spalletti’s squad is almost fully fit, with no significant absentees reported.
Last Italy Lineup
Here is how Italy lined up for their last match:
Italy (3-5-1-1): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori; Federico Dimarco, Samuele Ricci, Sandro Tonali, Davide Frattesi, Raoul Bellanova; Lorenzo Pellegrini; Mateo Retegui.
Belgium Recent Form
Belgium’s form has been less consistent, as they registered a win against Israel before succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of France.
Domenico Tedesco’s side have struggled against top-ranked teams, and their recent performances have underlined the difficulties of transitioning after the golden generation's peak. Despite this, they remain a threat and will look to recover their form in Rome.
Injury and Team News
Belgium are without two key players, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, both sidelined with injuries.
This puts additional pressure on Leandro Trossard, Belgium’s joint-top scorer, and emerging talents like Jeremy Doku. Napoli winger Cyril Ngonge could also earn his first international cap.
Last Belgium Lineup
Here is how Belgium lined up for their last match:
Belgium (4-2-3-1): Matz Sels; Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast; Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana; Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard, Dodi Lukebakio; Lois Openda.
Italy Player To Watch
Mateo Retegui has been in sensational form this season, leading Serie A’s scoring charts with seven goals. His clinical finishing will be crucial for Italy as they look to break down Belgium’s defence.
Belgium Player To Watch
Leandro Trossard is the key player for Belgium, particularly in the absence of De Bruyne and Lukaku. His creative play and goal-scoring ability make him Belgium’s best hope of getting on the scoresheet.
Prediction
Given Italy’s impressive start to the Nations League and their strong recent record against Belgium, a narrow win for Gli Azzurri seems likely.
Belgium’s injury concerns and inconsistent form make it difficult to see them causing an upset in Rome.
Our Prediction: Italy 2-1 Belgium
Betting Tips
Tip 1: Italy to Win
With Italy’s superior form and home advantage, they are the favourites to come out on top in this match.
Tip 2: Both Teams to Score
Italy have struggled to keep clean sheets, while Belgium still have attacking talent that could exploit any defensive lapses.
Tip 3: Mateo Retegui to Score Anytime
Retegui’s current form in Serie A suggests he is likely to find the back of the net in this match.
