LIVE INFO
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Italy: possible starting lineup: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui
Belgium: possible starting lineup: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda
Match Preview
Italy will host Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico for a UEFA Nations League encounter, with both teams navigating different paths after their September matches. Italy comes into the game in high spirits after a fantastic start to their campaign, securing maximum points from their first two games. Belgium, however, is under scrutiny following a disappointing loss to France and internal discontent.
Italy's new coach Luciano Spalletti seems to be steering the Azzurri towards a resurgence after their early exit at Euro 2024. The Italian squad has responded well, particularly in their opening game against France, where they bounced back from an early blunder to secure a 3-1 win. A second victory over Israel further solidified their place at the top of Group 2. Spalletti, known for his tactical innovation, has injected new talent into the squad, signaling a generational shift as Italy seeks its first Nations League crown. A win against Belgium would not only maintain Italy's momentum but also edge them closer to qualifying for the quarter-final stage.
Belgium, on the other hand, has been plagued by internal issues and poor performances. While their September campaign started positively with a 3-1 win over Israel, their loss to France exposed familiar vulnerabilities. Kevin De Bruyne, who starred in the Israel game, was vocal about the lack of cohesion in the team after the France defeat. His absence, along with Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, leaves Belgium weakened as they head to Rome. Coach Domenico Tedesco, who is under pressure to stabilize the Red Devils, will need his younger players to step up if they are to stand a chance against a resurgent Italy.
Spalletti's strategy of introducing fresh faces continues with five uncapped players, including Daniel Maldini and Niccolo Pisilli. Injuries have kept several key players out, including Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca, and Moise Kean, who recently withdrew with a back issue. Udinese's Lorenzo Lucca has been called in as a replacement, and Giacomo Raspadori is expected to lead the attack alongside Mateo Retegui in a 3-5-2 formation. Nicolo Barella is back after recovering from sinus surgery, adding strength to Italy's midfield.
Belgium faces the challenge of missing several star players. Captain Kevin De Bruyne is out, taking a break from international duty, while Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois are also unavailable. Coach Tedesco has called up some Italy-based players, such as Charles De Ketelaere and Samuel Mbangula, with Lois Openda likely starting up front in Lukaku’s absence. Leandro Trossard returns to the squad after being left out of the September fixtures, and his experience will be crucial if Belgium is to bounce back.
Italy is riding high with two straight wins and home advantage, while Belgium looks to regroup amidst internal strife and missing key players. The Azzurri will be confident of continuing their momentum, but Belgium, even without some of their star players, still has enough quality to pose a threat. This clash could prove pivotal in determining the direction of Group 2.