Italy vs Belgium Preview, Predictions, and Top Wagers to Consider

It's time for the encounter between Belgium and ITALY in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday. The Red Devils are on four points from four matches thus far, having let in two goals in each of their last three games. Italy, currently topping Group 2 in League A with ten points, will be the favorites entering this clash.

Belgium's Unpredictable Form

Belgium experienced a 15-game unbeaten streak before their Euros Round of 16 exit after a 1-0 loss to France. They kick-started their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel, boasting an impressive 3.53 xG in that match. Their form has been inconsistent since, with a 2-0 loss to France, a 2-2 draw against Italy, and a 2-1 home defeat to France – a game where Les Bleus were reduced to ten men in the 76th minute.

Italy's Growing Confidence

Like Belgium, Italy bowed out in the Round of 16 at the Euros, losing 1-0 to Spain in the group stage and then to Switzerland in the knockout round. Their Nations League journey began with a 3-1 comeback win over France. Following a 2-1 victory over Israel at a neutral venue, they surrendered a 2-0 lead against Belgium but managed a 2-2 draw with 50 minutes of extra man. In their most recent outing, they thumped Israel 4-1, creating 2.77 xG in comparison to their opponents' 0.26.

Team News & Motivation

Belgium welcomes back Amadou Onana, Matz Sels, and Romelu Lukaku for this game. However, Kevin De Bruyne, Alexis Saelemaekers, Charles De Ketelaere, and Jeremy Doku are unavailable due to injuries. Thibaut Courtois is also out, leading coach Domenico Tedesco to call up several inexperienced players, including Chelsea's Romeo Lavia and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

The Red Devils are using this Nations League to experiment and lessen their dependence on star players like De Bruyne and Lukaku. They will aim for a victory, but a strong performance might be more important than the final result.

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 Nicolò Rovella and Leicester City's Caleb Okoli, have been called up.

Italy is highly motivated and confident, viewing this tournament as an opportunity to win the Nations League. Their possession-based style will likely dominate 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.

Betting Tips

This fixtures promises an open and exciting match with goals likely. Italy is in better form and is expected to avoid defeat in Belgium. However, Lukaku (who plays in Serie A and serves as Belgium's captain) will be highly motivated:

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.66Alternate Bet: Italy win/draw double chance + Over 1.5 goals at 2.00Correct Score Tip: Belgium 1-1 Italy at 5.75Goalscorer Tip: Romelu Lukaku to score anytime at 2.35

James O'Connor - Belgium betting tips, Editor's Choice, Italy, Latest News, Soccer betting, Stats, UEFA Nations League - James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles. - Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis

In their UEFA Nations League encounter, Belgium takes on Italy on Thursday, with the latter currently topping Group 2 in League A with ten points.
The Red Devils, who have let in two goals in each of their last three games, aim for a victory in this match while seeking a strong performance.
Italy, who thumped Israel 4-1 in their most recent outing, will be the favorites, utilizing their possession-based style to dominate the game in Brussels.
Promising an open and exciting match, the betting tip suggests a 1-1 draw between Belgium and Italy, with Romelu Lukaku scoring anytime for Belgium.
The fixture's unpredictable nature echoes Belgium's history: they have lost 6 of their last 12 Nations League matches and experienced a 15-game unbeaten streak before their Euros Round of 16 exit against France.