Belgium’s golden football generation has faded in recent years, leaving the national team in a rebuilding phase after falling short in both the 2022 World Cup and the last European Championship.
The journey hasn’t been easy for Belgium, who started their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel, only to lose 2-0 to France. They managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Italy, who played much of the match with 10 men, but then lost to France again a few days later.
Facing challenges both on the field and in public opinion, head coach Domenico Tedesco’s tenure seems tenuous. Italy, meanwhile, has had its own struggles, failing to impress at the Euros despite being the 2021 champions.
In the Nations League, however, Italy has shown strength, topping their group thanks in part to a 3-1 win over France in the opening match. Following that, they claimed a 2-1 victory over Israel and held Belgium to a 2-2 draw despite being a player down. Italy now leads the group, just a point ahead of France, as they head into an important showdown with the French team.
Belgium will once again be without their captain and playmaker, Kevin de Bruyne. Key players like midfielder Youri Tielemans, defender Thomas Meunier, and young talent Aster Vranckx are also unavailable.
On a positive note, Belgium welcomes back top scorer Romelu Lukaku, who missed the previous games. His presence boosts an offense that already includes players like Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku, and Lois Openda.
The Belgian defense will be supported by regulars like Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, and Zeno Debast, along with midfielders such as Orel Mangala, Charles De Ketelaere, and Amadou Onana. Young winger Malick Fofana also joins the squad.
For Italy, midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, who was suspended in the last match against Israel, is now eligible to play.
Head coach Luciano Spalletti is expected to rely on established players like goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, defenders Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Dimarco, and Alessandro Bastoni, and midfielders Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Fagioli, and Davide Frattesi.
The Italian attack will likely feature Mateo Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori, though defender Riccardo Calafiori remains out due to injury.
Prediction
Belgium’s home games in the Nations League have consistently featured fewer than 3.5 goals, a trend mirrored by Italy’s away matches. A similar low-scoring game seems likely here.
Score Prediction: Belgium 1 – 1 Italy
