Italy and Belgium are set to face off at Stadio Olimpico in Rome for a UEFA Nations League clash, as Italy aims to maintain their top spot in League A Group 2. After a strong start in September, Italy will be looking to extend their winning streak, while Belgium seeks redemption after a disappointing performance last month.
Match Preview
Italy enters this fixture following a strong comeback in September after a disappointing summer at Euro 2024. Despite being the reigning European champions, Italy failed to live up to their reputation at the tournament, exiting in the round of 16. However, they quickly turned the page and have made an excellent start in the 2024-25 Nations League, winning both of their matches in September.
Italy began their campaign with a surprising 3-1 victory over France. Despite conceding an early goal within 13 seconds, the Italians responded in style with goals from Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori to secure three crucial points. This victory was followed by a more routine win over Israel, helping Italy to establish themselves as early leaders in Group 2.
Under the guidance of their new coach, Luciano Spalletti, Italy is going through a period of transition. Spalletti, who took over after Euro 2024, is implementing changes to inject fresh energy into the squad. His efforts to lower the age profile of the team are paying off, as the Azzurri are showing signs of a resurgence. The team is now focused on securing a place in the quarterfinals of the Nations League, which requires finishing in the top two in their group.
Belgium, on the other hand, is in a state of flux. The Red Devils are still reeling from their underwhelming performance at Euro 2024, where they were knocked out by France in the quarterfinals. Belgium’s start to the Nations League was mixed; they won their opening match against Israel 3-1, thanks to a brace from Kevin De Bruyne, but they followed that up with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to France. De Bruyne was highly critical of his team after the loss, questioning their determination and fighting spirit.
Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco, is under pressure to turn things around. Tedesco, who took charge after Roberto Martínez’s departure, is tasked with leading the national team through a transitional phase. However, he has faced several challenges, including injuries to key players and disputes within the squad. Notably, De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku have both taken temporary breaks from international duty, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains estranged from the team following a public fallout with Tedesco.
Team News
Italy’s squad for this match reflects Spalletti’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the team. He has included five uncapped players in his latest selection, signaling his intent to build a squad for the future. Among the newcomers is Daniel Maldini, son of Italian football legend Paolo Maldini, and Niccolò Pisilli, a promising young midfielder from Roma.
However, Italy will be without several key players for this match. Federico Chiesa remains sidelined due to a lack of match fitness, while Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are recovering from ACL injuries. Moise Kean, who has been in good form for Fiorentina, has also withdrawn from the squad due to a back injury. Udinese striker Lorenzo Lucca has been called up as Kean’s replacement, and he will be hoping to make an impact after scoring five goals in nine appearances this season.
In midfield, Nicolò Barella is set to return after missing last month’s matches due to sinus surgery. Barella’s return will provide a boost for Italy, as he is a key player in Spalletti’s system. The coach is expected to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that has served Italy well so far in the Nations League, with Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui likely to lead the attack.
Belgium, meanwhile, is dealing with several high-profile absences. Romelu Lukaku, the team’s all-time leading scorer, has opted to take a break from international football until 2025 to focus on his fitness at Napoli. Kevin De Bruyne, who captained Belgium in their last matches, is also unavailable due to injury, leaving a significant void in midfield.
Additionally, Thibaut Courtois remains absent following his public spat with Tedesco. Courtois was reportedly unhappy with the coach’s decision to hand the captain’s armband to De Bruyne instead of him, leading to his withdrawal from the squad. As a result, Wolfsburg’s Koen Casteels is expected to start in goal.
Tedesco has called up three players currently playing in Italy, including Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and Juventus winger Samuel Mbangula. Mbangula, who made his senior debut in August, has impressed in Serie A and could be given a chance to shine on the international stage. With Lukaku and De Bruyne both unavailable, Lois Openda is likely to lead the line for Belgium, supported by the likes of Leandro Trossard and Jeremy Doku.
Tactical Breakdown
Italy’s resurgence under Spalletti can be attributed to a more dynamic and cohesive style of play. The team has adopted a 3-5-2 formation, which allows them to maintain solidity at the back while providing flexibility in attack. The three-man defense, typically featuring Alessandro Bastoni, Alessandro Di Lorenzo, and Riccardo Calafiori, is shielded by a hardworking midfield, with Sandro Tonali and Nicolò Barella dictating the tempo.
In attack, the partnership between Raspadori and Retegui has been effective, with both players offering different qualities. Raspadori’s technical ability and creativity complement Retegui’s physical presence and goal-scoring instinct. Federico Dimarco, who scored a stunning goal against France, will continue to be a key player on the left flank, providing width and delivery from set pieces.
Belgium, on the other hand, faces a more complex tactical dilemma. Without De Bruyne’s playmaking skills and Lukaku’s presence up front, Tedesco will need to rely on other players to step up. The likely front three of Doku, Trossard, and Openda offers pace and dribbling ability, but the team may struggle to break down Italy’s organized defense without a focal point like Lukaku.
In midfield, the absence of De Bruyne means that Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana will have to take on more responsibility. Tielemans, known for his passing range and vision, will be tasked with unlocking Italy’s defense, while Onana will need to provide defensive cover and energy in the center of the park.
Defensively, Belgium has shown vulnerability in recent matches, particularly in their loss to France. Tedesco’s backline, which could feature Wout Faes and Arthur Theate, will need to be more disciplined to avoid being exposed by Italy’s counter-attacking threat.
Prediction
Italy comes into this match as the favorite, given their recent form and the advantage of playing at home. Spalletti has successfully rejuvenated the squad, and the team appears to be playing with renewed confidence and cohesion. The absence of key players like Chiesa and Scamacca is a concern, but the depth of the squad should allow Italy to cope.
Belgium, on the other hand, is in a more precarious position. The team is missing several of its biggest stars, and Tedesco’s position as head coach is under increasing scrutiny. While Belgium still has talented players capable of causing problems for Italy, their recent inconsistency and lack of leadership could be their downfall.
Given Italy’s current momentum and Belgium’s struggles, a 2-0 victory for the Azzurri seems a likely outcome.
Possible Lineups
Italy Starting XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui.
Belgium Starting XI: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda.
Conclusion
Italy’s clash with Belgium is set to be an intriguing encounter between two teams in different stages of transition. Italy appears to have found their rhythm under Luciano Spalletti, while Belgium is still searching for answers under Domenico Tedesco. Both teams have their sights set on qualifying for the Nations League quarterfinals, but Italy’s superior form and home advantage could make the difference in this encounter.
