Two heavyweights, Italy and Belgium, are set to face off in Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League during the international break. Italy, who missed two World Cups in a row, made a fantastic start to the UEFA Nations League. They defeated France in their opening game, showing a monster mentality in that match. Italy conceded the first goal in just one minute as Bradey Barcola scored his fasted goal. But the Azzurri reacted brilliantly and returned three more goals in the remaining minutes to secure a dominating 1-3 win over France.

However, the Azzurri also defeated Israel in their second match of the competition. Now they are ready to welcome Belgium, who stand in 3rd with one win and one defeat, at Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night.

 “It makes me happy seeing, even this morning, the boys happy and excited to be together, happy to be here. We are going to play with confidence. We have to reproduce the consistency we showed in September, a team that knows how to work as a team. We have to be a strong group, in this side a lot of players know where the goal is, even the defenders,” Italy boss Luciano Spalletti spoke about his team.

Team News

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti has included some fresh faces ahead of their matches in this international break. He called up Daniel Maldini, the son of Legendary footballer Paulo Maldini, for the very first time. “Daniel has played well, wonderfully and he has the physicality to be able to withstand blows in the challenge,” Spalletti talked about Daniel Maldini.

However, Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are still out of the team due to their ACL injuries, while Federico Chiesa is also absent due to a lack of match fitness. Additionally, star striker Moises Kean is unavailable due to his back pain. But Nicolo Barella has returned to the squad following his injury and is available for the selection.

As for Belgium, several senior players will miss the match. Romelu Lukaku has not been called up due to the tactical policies. First-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and captain Kevin de Bruyne are also unavailable due to their respective injuries. But Leandro Trossard has earned his place in the 15-men squad ahead of the match.

Possible Lineup for Italy:

Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui

Possible Lineup for Belgium:

Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda

Prediction: Italy 2-1 Belgium

Italy have been in a flying form in the UEFA Nations League, having defeated France and Israel. They are fast, direct, and aggressive. Moreover, they will have home support, which is a great boost for the Azzurri.

Meanwhile, Belgium have to play without several senior players. Therefore, the chances are less that they can beat Italy at Stadio Olimpico.

Betfair Odds

Italy: 1.95

Draw: 3.52

Belgium: 4.14

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