Italy vs Belgium Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | UEFA Nations League, October 10, 2024

Italy vs Belgium Preview

• Tournament: UEFA Nations League.
• Date: Thursday, October 10.
• Time: 6:45 PM GMT.
• Venue: Stadio Olimpico.

Italy vs Belgium will be the third game for both teams in League A Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League as the first-placed team gears up to host the team in third place.

The Italians will enter this game on the back of a mixed run of form. They have won just two of their last five games across competitions, losing two and drawing one game as well. While they have undoubtedly come up against some tough opponents, the next game will be no less of a challenge as they prepare to face one of the top sides in international football.

Belgium, on the other hand, will enter this game on the back of an identical run of form as compared to Italy. They too have lost two, drawn one and won two of their last five games, but have done so in a more inconsistent manner as compared to the hosts. Two of those defeats have come against France, albeit in different competitions, but they will have their guard up for the next game.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the team news from both camps.

Italy National Football Team News

Manager Luciano Spalletti fielded strong lineups in each of his nation’s last two outings, with a strong XI against Israel in the 2-1 win last time. He will likely stick with the same combination as the team will be eager to maintain their winning run. With several young stars to choose from, Spalletti has the flexibility to rotate his squad quite a bit and still maintain the quality among the ranks.

Belgium National Football Team News

Manager Domenico Tedesco will be under some pressure as his team has failed to deliver against bigger teams in recent times. Their 2-0 defeat to France last time out is a prime example despite Tedesco fielding a strong lineup. They will look to overturn their fortunes with the current crop of players beginning to look like a proper unit together.

Italy vs Belgium Predicted Lineups

Italy National Football Team Predicted Lineup (3-5-1-1)

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (C).

Defenders: Federico Gatti, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni.

Midfielders: Raoul Bellanova, Davide Frattesi, Samuele Ricci, Sandro Tonali, Federico Dimarco.

Forwards: Giacomo Raspadori, Moise Kean.

Belgium National Football Team Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Koen Casteels.

Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Zeno Debast, Arthur Theate.

Midfielders: Youri Tielemans, Amadou Onana, Kevin De Bruyne (C).

Forwards: Dodi Lukebakio, Jeremy Doku, Lois Openda.

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Italy vs Belgium Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head record in the last five matches favours the Italians heavily as they have won four games, while Belgium has managed to win just one.

Key Players to Watch

Federico Dimarco (Italy)

The left wing-back from Inter Milan has been one of the standout players for Italy in this calendar year. He was crucial in their win against France as he scored one goal, followed by an assist in their win against Israel. Dimarco’s linkup plays with Tonali on the left side helps the Italians transition from defence to attack in the blink of an eye.

Jeremy Doku (Belgium)

The Manchester City winger will have the spotlight cast on him in what will be a true test of ability against a formidable opponent. Doku will rely on his electric pace and quick footwork to get past opponents and create space for his teammates with his crossing.

Italy vs Belgium Prediction

Given the recent history between these two teams, there should ideally be just one winner in this match and that is Italy. However, stranger things have happened in football and Belgium can give them a tough fight as nobody would want to lose. This game could go down to the wire as both teams are set up to play attacking football and could leave spaces at the back for the other to attack.

Prediction: Italy 2-2 Belgium

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