Belgium and Italy face off on Thursday in a critical UEFA Nations League match as League A Group 2 nears its conclusion. Italy needs just a draw to secure a quarter-final spot, while Belgium must win to keep their hopes alive.
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Belgium’s campaign has been challenging under coach Domenico Tedesco, with injuries, penalty misses, and narrow losses hampering their progress. Belgium’s recent 2-1 loss to France, despite Lois Openda’s first-half stoppage-time goal, underscores their difficulties. They also squandered a two-goal lead against Italy in a 2-2 draw last month, despite playing with a man advantage for over 50 minutes. Now in third place, Belgium is on the brink of entering the relegation playoffs unless they can win here and finish with a victory over Israel on Sunday.
For Italy, Group 2 has been a breath of fresh air under Luciano Spalletti’s leadership. After a turbulent Euro 2024 showing, the Azzurri have revived their form, winning three out of four matches and sitting comfortably at the top of the group. They need only a draw to secure progression, thanks to players like Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Mateo Retegui, who contributed to a commanding 4-1 victory over Israel. Spalletti’s young squad has proven resilient, including a come-from-behind win over France.
Italy’s Rising Stars vs. Belgium’s Veteran Leaders
A youthful Italian team under captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has shown maturity beyond its years. Retegui, Alessandro Bastoni, and Sandro Tonali have been instrumental, showcasing Italy’s promising future. Despite Belgium’s veteran lineup, including Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard, the Red Devils face an uphill battle with their depleted roster.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Belgium
Belgium’s lineup has been impacted by numerous injuries. Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, Jeremy Doku, and Charles De Ketelaere are out, with midfielder Youri Tielemans also sidelined. While Romelu Lukaku returns to boost the attack, coach Tedesco has called up younger players like Samuel Mbangula and Arthur Vermeeren to fill gaps in the lineup.
Predicted Belgium Starting Lineup:
Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate; Mangala, Onana, Vermeeren; Bakayoko, Lukaku, Trossard
Italy
Italy is without Riccardo Calafiori and Samuele Ricci, as well as long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Manuel Locatelli joins the squad and may partner with Nicolo Barella or Sandro Tonali in midfield. In attack, the in-form Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean, fresh from a hat trick with Fiorentina, will vie for a starting spot.
Predicted Italy Starting Lineup:
Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori; Retegui
Prediction and Key Insights
Given Belgium’s injury woes and Italy’s steady form, a score draw seems likely, which would favor Italy as they only need a point to progress. Belgium’s best chance rests on Lukaku’s familiarity with his Italian opponents, though he’ll need ample support from the midfield to break through Italy’s solid defense.
