Setting the pace atop League A Group 2 after a superb start in September, Italy will welcome Belgium to Rome for a UEFA Nations League contest on Thursday.
Italy:
Italy returns to the Stadio Olimpico looking to continue their strong start in the UEFA Nations League after winning both opening matches in September. Luciano Spalletti's team made a statement with a 3-1 victory over France, recovering from an early goal to take control with impressive strikes from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori. They followed up with a win against Israel, taking the lead in League A Group 2. After a lackluster Euro 2024, Italy is eager to rebuild and go further in the Nations League, aiming for a top-two finish to reach the new quarter-final stage. A third consecutive win would keep them on track in their pursuit of the Nations League crown.
Belgium:
Belgium faces Italy in Rome after a mixed start to their Nations League campaign. The Red Devils opened with a 3-1 win over Israel, but frustration followed with a 2-0 loss to France. Captain Kevin De Bruyne, who scored twice against Israel, voiced his disappointment with the team’s lack of fight against Les Bleus, adding pressure on coach Domenico Tedesco. Belgium will be without De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and amid ongoing tensions with Thibaut Courtois, Tedesco faces a challenging task to build team cohesion. Belgium will need to show resilience as they seek to gain points and progress in their group, with Tedesco hoping to secure his role and boost their Nations League ambitions.
Prediction: 2-1
Italy vs Belgium and TV listing
Belgium:RTL Play
Germany:DAZN Germany
International:Score808 808ball