Belgium faces Italy in an impending encounter; predictive Analysis, Forecasts, and Top Wagers Demystified
** FIFA Nations League Showdown: Belgium vs Italy**
Get ready for an exciting clash as Belgium takes on Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday. The Red Devils have four points from four games, with a defensive slip-up in their last three matches, conceding two goals each time. On the other hand, Italy leads Group 2 in League A with ten points.
Red Devils' Struggles and Resurgence
Belgium experienced a 15-game unbeaten streak before their Euros Round of 16 exit against France. Their Nations League journey began with a 3-1 win over Israel, followed by a 2-0 loss to France and a 2-2 draw against Italy. In their most recent outing, they lost 2-1 to France, despite Les Bleus being reduced to ten men in the 76th minute. Despite the hiccups, the Belgian team is eager to prove their mettle.
Italy's Dominance
Like Belgium, Italy exited the Euros in the Round of 16, losing to Spain and being eliminated by Switzerland. Their Nations League started with a 3-1 comeback win over France before a 2-1 victory over Israel at a neutral venue. They later drew 2-2 against Belgium despite being a man down for 50 minutes. In their most recent match, Italy convincingly defeated Israel 4-1.
Team News
Belgium welcomes back Amadou Onana, Matz Sels, and Romelu Lukaku for this match. On the other hand, Kevin De Bruyne, Alexis Saelemaekers, Charles De Ketelaere, and Jeremy Doku are unavailable due to injuries. Thibaut Courtois is also out, and coach Domenico Tedesco has called up several inexperienced players, including Chelsea's Romeo Lavia and Albert Sambi Lokonga.
Luciano Spalletti has left out Jorginho again, but Nicolo Barella returns to the squad for the first time since the Euros. Moise Kean is fit and included among the forward options. Federico Chiesa and Gianluca Scamacca are sidelined with injuries, and Riccardo Calafiori is absent from the defense. Four uncapped players, including Lazio's Nicolo Rovella and Leicester City's Caleb Okoli, have been called up.
Motivation
The Red Devils are using this Nations League to experiment and reduce their dependency on star players like De Bruyne and Lukaku. While they aim to win, a strong performance may be more important than the result. Italy, on the other hand, views this tournament as an opportunity to win the Nations League. Spalletti's team is possession-based and will look to control the game in Brussels.
Key Stats
- Belgium has lost 6 of their last 12 Nations League matches.
- Belgium has lost 4 of their last 8 matches.
- Belgium's Romelu Lukaku has scored 85 goals in 119 appearances for his country.
- Italy has won 3 of their last 4 matches.
- Italy has won 5 of their last 7 encounters with Belgium.
Betting Tips
This match promises to be open and exciting, with goals likely. Italy is currently in better form and should avoid defeat in Belgium, although Lukaku, who plays in Serie A and serves as Belgium's captain, will be highly motivated.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.66
Alternate Bet: Italy win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 2.00
Correct Score Tip: Belgium 1-1 Italy at 5.75
Goalscorer Tip: Romelu Lukaku to score anytime at 2.35
- Belgium faces Italy in a potential thriller, with both teams eager to prove their mettle in the UEFA Nations League.
- Belgium, despite their recent defensive woes, comes into this match boosted by the returns of Amadou Onana, Matz Sels, and Romelu Lukaku.
- Italy, having convincincely exited the Euros and winning their last three games, will look to maintain their momentum against the Red Devils.
- In this clash, footy analysis predicts an open and exciting match, with both teams to score at 1.66 being a viable best bet.
- Additionally, the alternate bet of Italy win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 2.00 could also yield positive results, as Romelu Lukaku, who plays in Serie A and serves as Belgium's captain, will be highly motivated.
