A heavyweight clash is set for Nations League Group A2 on Thursday, as Belgium host Italy.
Italy have already secured their spot in next summer’s quarterfinals, but a victory on Thursday would leave them on course to top the standings ahead of France.
It has been another miserable period for Domenico Tedasco, as his Belgium side will likely be involved in the relegation playoff. They come into this match after winning just once in their last four internationals.
Odds
Despite enduring a miserable run of form, Belgium are narrowly preferred in the betting this week at +148. An away victory for Italy is priced up at +195.
| Match Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| Belgium | +148 |
| Draw | +225 |
| Italy | +195 |
Belgium Winless in Last Four Against Italy
| Total | Belgium | Italy | Draws | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Nations League Games | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Goals | 20 | 8 | 12 |
Italy boasts a healthy record in the historical record, winning three of the last four, and losing just once in their last seven internationals against Belgium since the start of the millennium.
The latest showdown was staged last month, with the sides sharing four goals in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
🚨⚽ TIP: Over 2.5 Goals @ -103
Belgium Team News
Kevin De Bruyne isn’t risked after returning to action for Man City over the weekend. Meanwhile, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Malick Fofana, and Joaquin Seys are pulled out of the squad due to injury.
The four absent players were replaced by Albert Lokonga, Samuel Mbangula, Arthur Vermeeren, and Killian Sardella.
Possible Lineup
Koen Casteels (GK); Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Zeno Debast, Amadou Onana, Romeo Lavia, Leandro Trossard, Dodi Lukebakio, Lois Openda, Romelu Lukaku
Italy Team News
Luciano Spalletti has recalled Sandro Tonali following a strong start to the season with Newcastle.
Meanwhile, a number of players could be in line for an international debut, including Caleb Okoli, Nicolo Savona, and Nicolo Rovella. Giacomo Raspadori is expected to lead the line for the Italians on Thursday.
Possible Lineup
Gianluigi Donnarumma (GK); Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Bastoni, Federico Gatti, Destiny Udogie, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali, Nicolo Barella, Mateo Retegui, Giacomo Raspadori, Moise Kean
Belgium vs. Italy Prediction
Italy will be full of confidence heading into this international showdown against Belgium following a shock win in France last month.
They have a quality depth of players across all positions, and we fully expect them to gain victory over an out-of-sorts Belgium on Thursday.
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