Prediction: Italy vs Belgium

Verdict: Italy draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet

In what is a heavyweight Nations League showdown on Thursday night, Italy will welcome Belgium to the Stade Olimpico.

Italy

Starting with the hosts, while Italy might have arrived in Germany over the summer tipped as a potential dark horse title contender, the Azzurri endured what was a public nightmare. Watching their European adventure come to an end at the Round of 16 stage as they fell to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Switzerland, there were plenty of question marks over Luciano Spalletti’s future. However, not showing any signs of a hangover since getting their Nations League campaign underway last month, Italy have come flying out of the traps. Getting proceedings underway on September 6th with a famous performance away at France as they stormed their way to a 3-1 romp in Paris, Thursday’s hosts have secured back-to-back League A victories and they will be looking to collect another heavyweight scalp here.

Team News

Despite arriving at Premier League giants Liverpool over the summer, former Juventus star Federico Chiesa is dealing with a recent knock and has not been included in Italy’s squad. However, the Azzurri have handed maiden senior call ups to Roma and Monza youngsters Niccolo Pisilli and Daniel Maldini.

Likewise, enjoying what has been an impressive start to the new campaign with AC Milan, Matteo Gabbia has also been included. Recording six goals for club and country so far this season, ex-Everton loanee Moise Kean should be handed the chance to spearhead Italy’s attack in Rome.

Belgium

As for the visitors, while Belgium might have enjoyed a real EURO 24 qualifying romp last year, the Red Devils once again flattered to deceive on the major tournament stage. Suffering their own respective Round of 16 exit over the summer as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against France, Domenico Tedesco’s men found themselves in an almost identical position to Thursday’s opponents. However, despite getting their Nations League adventure underway with a 3-1 win against Israel on September 6th, Belgium came immediately crashing back down to earth. Last seen falling to a 2-0 loss against Les Blues over in Paris, the former RB Leipzig boss has not seen his squad record back-to-back competitive victories over the past 12 months. Suffering a 2-1 defeat when they last travelled to Italy back in October 2021, Belgium could have another tricky test on their hands here.

Team News

Still dealing with a recent muscle injury, Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne has not been included in Tedesco’s squad. Likewise, despite enjoying a bright start to life with Italian giants Roma after arriving from Chelsea over the summer, Romelu Lukaku will not feature over the next week.

With Tedesco looking to shake things up, the former RB Leipzig boss has selected Malick Fofana, Cyril Ngonge, Matte Smets and Maarten Vandevoordt for a first time. Premier League-based stars such as Leandro Trossard, Jermey Doku and Youri Tielemans have been included in Belgium’s squad.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Italy and Belgium last met in Nations League action back in October 2021, the Azzurri collected a 2-1 victory in Turin.
• In fact, Italy have won each of their previous three meetings against Thursday’s guests by an aggregate score of 6-2.
• Belgium have registered just two wins from any of their previous six competitive appearances across all formats.
• The Red Devils have not collected back-to-back competitive victories over the past 12 months.
• Four of the last five meetings between Italy and Belgium have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Getting their Nations League adventure underway with a famous 3-1 romp away at France last month, Italy have certainly come flying out of the traps. With Belgium continuing to show some extended inconsistencies carrying on from their EURO 24 nightmare over the summer, the Azzurri will be excited by a dominant record against Thursday’s guests. Including a 2-1 win when they welcomed Belgium to Turin for a Nations League showdown back in October 2021, they have won all of their previous three showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-2.

Verdict: Italy draw no bet

Best Odds: 4/7

Bookmaker: Dachbet