Belgium versus Italy Preview, Predictions, and Top Wagers Explored

Ready for a thrilling UEFA Nations League match on Thursday? Belgium goes head-to-head with Italy in Group 2, League A. The Red Devils have four points from their four matches so far, with two goals conceded in each of their last three fixtures. Italy, with a whopping ten points, is currently sitting at the top of the group.

The Belgian Scene

Despite exiting the Euros in the Round of 16 after a 1-0 loss to France, Belgium started their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel, generating an impressive 3.53 xG. However, their following matches haven't been as successful, with a 2-0 loss to France and a 2-2 draw against Italy. In their last outing, they suffered a 2-1 home loss to France, with Les Bleus playing with just ten men for the final 14 minutes of the game.

Red Devils' Roster

Amadou Onana, Matz Sels, and Romelu Lukaku will return for this match, but Kevin De Bruyne, Alexis Saelemaekers, Charles De Ketelaere, and Jeremy Doku will be unavailable due to injuries. Thibaut Courtois is also out of the picture, with coach Domenico Tedesco calling up several inexperienced players, including Chelsea's Romeo Lavia and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Belgian Motives

The Red Devils see this Nations League as an opportunity to experiment and reduce their dependency on star players like De Bruyne and Lukaku. While winning is always a goal, a strong performance may be more important than the result.

The Italian Stand

Like Belgium, Italy exited the Euros in the Round of 16. Their Nations League journey began with a 3-1 comeback win over France, followed by a 2-1 victory over Israel at a neutral venue. Though they surrendered a 2-0 lead against Belgium to draw 2-2, they managed to score a convincing 4-1 victory over Israel in their most recent match, generating 2.77 xG compared to their opponents' 0.26.

Azzurri's Lineup

Luciano Spalletti has left Jorginho out 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 Nicolò Rovella and Leicester City's Caleb Okoli, have been called up.

Italian Motivation

Italy is highly motivated and confident, viewing 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 (after going 15 games unbeaten). 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.

Prediction and Tips

This match should be an open, exciting fixture 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

James O'Connor - A football analyst covering the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. Holds the UEFA A coaching license and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.

In the UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday, Belgium, currently on four points, will face Italy, who lead Group 2, League A with ten points, in a thrilling sports fixture.
Despite their 1-0 exit from the Euros, Belgium quickened their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel, but their recent form has been uneven, with a 2-0 loss to France and a 2-2 draw against Italy.
Matz Sels, Amadou Onana, and Romelu Lukaku are set to return for Belgium, but the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, Alexander Saelemaekers, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, and Thibaut Courtois due to injuries might impact their performance.
Italy, similarly, exited the Euros in the Round of 16, but their Nations League journey has been more successful, with key victories against France and Israel. They currently boast a 3-1 advantage in their last four encounters with Belgium.
For this fixture, Moise Kean has been included in the Italian squad, while Nicolo Barella returns after the Euros. However, Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca, and Riccardo Calafiori remain sidelined, with Leicester City's Caleb Okoli and Lazio's Nicolo Rovella among the called-up players.