Italy, leading League A Group 2 after an impressive start in September, will host Belgium in Rome for a UEFA Nations League match on Thursday.
The Azzurri claimed maximum points last month, while the Red Devils faced criticism from their captain after a disappointing loss to France.
Following a disappointing defense of their European title over the summer, Italy bounced back with a strong start in the Nations League. They’ll be aiming for a third straight win when they face Belgium at the Stadio Olimpico.
Italy's campaign kicked off with a stunning 3-1 win against France. Despite conceding a goal within the first 13 seconds, Federico Dimarco scored a brilliant equalizer, and Davide Frattesi and Giacomo Raspadori later sealed the victory in Paris.
Just a few days later, Luciano Spalletti's team beat Israel, taking an early lead in Group 2 and backing up the coach's vision for a fresh start. After struggling at Euro 2024 and exiting in the last 16, Italy has introduced new talent to boost their chances of winning their first Nations League title.
Before Spalletti took charge, Italy reached the 2023 finals by winning their group but ended up finishing third. This season, they aim to go further by finishing in the top two of their group, which would secure them a spot in the new quarter-final stage.
With points to gain in Thursday’s match and an upcoming rematch against Israel in Udine, Italy’s rebuild seems to be on the right track.
While Italy is moving forward from past disappointments, Belgium struggled during their September matches. Things started well with a 3-1 win over Israel, where Kevin De Bruyne scored twice.
However, in a follow-up match against France, De Bruyne criticized his teammates for their lack of effort after a 2-0 loss in Lyon—a painful reminder of their Euro 2024 exit to the same opponent just two months earlier.
Under pressure, coach Domenico Tedesco is looking to build momentum as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. However, De Bruyne has since taken a break from international duties, and Romelu Lukaku, Belgium's all-time top scorer, has also stepped down temporarily.
Tedesco’s management style is under scrutiny, especially after reports of unresolved tensions with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Balancing strong personalities while introducing new players has proven challenging.
For Belgium, showing progress this season is crucial to keep Tedesco in his position. Earning more points soon will be essential for both the team and their coach’s future.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Continuing his efforts to bring down the average age of Italy's squad, Luciano Spalletti has called up five uncapped players, including Daniel Maldini—son of the Azzurri legend Paolo Maldini—and young Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli.
Federico Chiesa remains out due to his lack of match fitness, while Atalanta's Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are still recovering from ACL injuries. Fiorentina's in-form striker Moise Kean has also pulled out due to a back issue.
Lorenzo Lucca, who has scored five goals in nine games for Udinese this season, will replace Kean. Midfield regular Nicolo Barella returns after missing last month's matches following sinus surgery.
With a few forwards missing, Giacomo Raspadori is expected to join Mateo Retegui up front in Spalletti’s 3-5-2 setup.
On the other side, Belgium coach Domenico Tedesco who was born in Calabria but raised in Germany will be without some of his key players as he returns to Italy.
Former Roma loanee Romelu Lukaku is taking a break from the national team until 2025 to focus on getting fit for his new club, Napoli. Additionally, injured captain Kevin De Bruyne and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who remains out of the squad due to a falling out, are also unavailable.
Tedesco has included three players based in Italy, such as Atalanta's Charles De Ketelaere and Juventus winger Samuel Mbangula, who only made his Serie A debut in August, scoring in his first match.
With Lukaku absent, Lois Openda is likely to start up front, while Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard returns to the squad after being left out of the September fixtures.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
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
EXPERT PREDICTION
Italy 2-1 Belgium
Tensions remain in the Belgian camp, even as a new wave of talent begins to step in for the aging "golden" generation. On the other hand, Italy is starting to rediscover its form after a rough patch following their Euro 2020 triumph.
With a revitalized midfield and a strong defensive lineup, the Azzurri are well-positioned to defeat Belgium and secure all nine points in Group 2.
