Italy vs Belgium – UEFA Nations League – Preview, Team News and Updates

International football is back, and there are some mouthwatering fixtures lined up for fans. One of the most highly anticipated clashes in the Nations League is set to take place at Rome’s iconic Stadio Olimpico on Thursday night, where Italy will face off against Belgium.

Both teams are eager to reassert their dominance on the international stage, but they’ve had different journeys so far in the tournament. Italy have been on fire, kicking off their Nations League campaign with impressive wins over France and Israel. On the other hand, Belgium's form has been bit of a mixed bag. While they cruised to a 3-1 victory over Israel, they stumbled against France, with goals from Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele sinking them in a comfortable defeat. 

Now, with a crucial showdown in Rome looming, Domenico Tedesco's Belgium side will be itching to bounce back and get their campaign back on track. But will they have what it takes to overcome an in-form Italy, or will the Azzurri continue their red-hot streak? It’s shaping up to be a thrilling encounter with plenty at stake. 

Italy vs Belgium – Match Preview 

Italy’s victory over England at Wembley to claim the Euro 2020 trophy wasn’t a shock to anyone— that’s how dominant they were throughout the tournament. But since lifting that trophy, the Azzurri’s fortunes have taken a sharp nosedive. Their fall from grace was painfully clear at the 2024 Euros, where their title defense fizzled out in the Round of 16 against Switzerland. However, under Luciano Spalletti, Italy are showing promising signs of resurgence. The Italians kicked off their Nations League campaign with a thrilling comeback win over France. After conceding just 15 seconds into the match, many feared the worst, but the Italians had other plans. Federico Di Marco, Davide Frattesi, and Giacomo Raspadori each found the back of the net to turn the game around in stunning fashion. 

Three days later, the Italian secured a 2-1 win over Israel to take an early lead League A Group 2. Now, they aim for maximum points against Belgium and Israel, which would all but guarantee them a place in the new quarterfinals stage of the Nations League. The Azzurri have previously qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament in 2023. However, they could only manage a third-placed finish, as eventual winners Spain sent the Italians packing in the semis. This time around, Luciano Spalletti’s men will look to go one better. However, they must first overcome Belgium on Thursday. 

Like Italy, the Red Devils are also in the midst of a transitional period. The once-dominant golden generation is fading, with key figures like Kompany, Hazard, Vertonghen, Mertens, Dembele, and Alderweireld all hanging up their international boots. That leaves Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku as the last remaining veterans from that era. Despite this, Belgium's next wave of talent – featuring stars like Lois Openda, Jeremy Doku, Amadou Onana, and Youri Tielemans – is packed with potential and they are eager to make their mark on the international stage. The Red Devils are sitting in third place in League A Group 2, with one win and a loss to France under their belt. However, they’ve got a shot at climbing to the top if they can pull off victories against both France and Italy. Of course, that’s much easier said than done. 

Italy vs Belgium – Team News and Updates 

Romelu Lukaku won't be taking the field at the Stadio Olimpico as he’s opted for a national team break until 2025 to focus on getting fit for his new club, Napoli. Injuries have also sidelined captain Kevin De Bruyne, while goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains unavailable due to personal reasons. 

To fill the gaps, Tedesco has called up three players currently based in Italy, including Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere and Juventus winger Samuel Mbangula, who made an instant impact by scoring in his Serie A debut in August. With Lukaku out, Lois Openda is expected to lead the line, while Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard returns to the squad after being left out of the September fixtures. 

On the Italian side, Luciano Spalletti continues his mission to rejuvenate the squad by bringing in five uncapped players, including Daniel Maldini, son of legendary Paolo Maldini, and young Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli. Despite some notable absentees—Federico Chiesa is still unfit, and Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are recovering from ACL injuries—there’s excitement in the Azzurri camp.  

In-form Fiorentina striker Moise Kean also pulled out with a back issue. The 24-year-old striker will be replaced by Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca, who’s been in fine form with five goals in nine games this season. With several attacking options sidelined, Giacomo Raspadori is likely to partner Mateo Retegui in Spalletti’s new 3-5-2 formation, while Nicolo Barella returns to strengthen the midfield after recovering from sinus surgery. 

Italy vs Belgium – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 11th October 2024 (Friday) Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The match will kick off at 12:15 AM (Indian Standard Time).   

Also Read: England vs Greece – UEFA Nations League – Preview, Team News and Updates