Get ready for a blockbuster UEFA Nations League clash as Belgium hosts Italy at the Koning Boudewijnstadion. With Italy sitting atop Group 2 with 10 points and Belgium in third with just 4, this match could be pivotal.
Belgium, under Domenico Tedesco, is facing mounting pressure to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. However, injuries to key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, along with internal team turmoil, have made their path tougher. Italy, needing only a point to advance, boasts form under Luciano Spalletti, having secured three wins and a draw in their last four matches.
Expect a closely contested game in overcast conditions, with betting experts slightly favoring Italy to edge it. Our match tip recommends placing a bet on Italy to win, given their historical dominance and recent performance. This game is crucial not just for points but for the morale and future strategies of both teams.
Belgium vs Italy Prediction & Betting tip
Given the match facts and current form of both teams, our recommended betting tip is:
| Belgium vs. Italy Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Italy to win | 2.81 |
| Here’s why this prediction makes sense: |
- Historical Dominance: Italy has historically dominated head-to-head encounters against Belgium, securing more victories in recent years.
- Recent Form: Italy is in formidable form with three wins and a draw in its last four matches, compared to Belgium’s mixed results.
- Team Dynamics: Italy has a well-organized playing style and a consistent attacking strategy, making them a contender for this face-off. In summary, the combination of historical results, current form, and tactical strength makes Italy the slightly favored team to win this encounter.
Belgium vs. Italy Odds
The battle between Belgium and Italy is shaping up to be a thrilling encounter in UEFA Nations League A. Here’s a look at the current betting odds for this match:
| Belgium vs. Italy Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Belgium | 2.61 |
| Draw | 3.18 |
| Italy | 2.78 |
Belgium is considered the bookmaker’s favorite, despite their recent form and injury setbacks. However, Italy’s impressive consistency and historical dominance make them a contender, reflected in their competitive odds. With both teams known for their attacking prowess, the match is expected to be evenly contested, making the odds for a draw also quite appealing. This clash will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Belgium vs Italy Live Streaming
- The UEFA Nations League live broadcast is present in India with the Sony Sports Network. The Live streaming of the matches is available on the SonyLiv website and app. Fans can watch Belgium vs Italy live streaming on SonyLiv at 1:15 AM on Friday.
Belgium Team Analysis
Belgium Recent Performance LDLWL
Belgium has had a challenging Nations League campaign so far with mixed results. Their recent form is represented as LDLWL, indicating some inconsistency in their performances. They have only managed to secure one win in their last five outings, highlighting the need for a performance against Italy to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. Belgium’s offensive efforts have generated an average of 1.20 goals per game in their last five matches. However, their defense has struggled, with no clean sheets recorded during the same period. Here’s a look at Belgium’s last five matches:
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Belgium | France | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Italy | Belgium | 2-2 (Draw) |
| France | Belgium | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Belgium | Israel | 3-1 (Win) |
| France | Belgium | 1-0 (Loss) |
Despite playing at home, Belgium remains under pressure to deliver a win, especially with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku impacting their overall strategy.
Belgium Key Players
Belgium, affectionately known as the ‘Red Devils’, will be relying heavily on their star players to turn the tide in their crucial match against Italy. While they will miss the influence of Kevin De Bruyne and the experienced Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku’s return is a major boost. He will look to spearhead the attack and provide a much-needed spark.
Key Players to Watch:
- Romelu Lukaku: Leading the line and expected to be the primary goal threat.
- Leandro Trossard: Significant in midfield, Trossard’s creativity will be crucial to breaking down Italy’s defense.
- Koen Casteels: Stepping in for Courtois, he will need to command the defense effectively.
Expected lineup for Belgium:
- Goalkeeper: Koen Casteels
- Defenders: Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate
- Midfielders: Orel Mangala, Amadou Onana, Johan Bakayoko, Maxim De Cuyper, Leandro Trossard
- Forward: Romelu Lukaku
Potential Key Battles:
- Lukaku vs. Bastoni: A clash of titans as Lukaku tests Italy’s solid defense led by Alessandro Bastoni.
- Trossard vs. Barella: Midfield maestros looking to control the game’s tempo and create opportunities.
Belgium needs these players to step up to keep their hopes alive in the Nations League.
Belgium Suspensions & Injuries
Belgium enters this crucial clash against Italy with a notable list of injuries that could significantly impact their performance. They face the challenge without some key players, which might affect their overall game plan and effectiveness on the field.
Injury List:
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Arnaud Bodart | Knock injury | Potentially doubtful |
| Jan Vertonghen | Achilles tendon injury | Potentially doubtful |
| Alexis Saelemaekers | Ankle injury | Back in training |
| Julien Duranville | Thigh injury | Late November 2024 |
| Aster Vranckx | Hamstring injury | Mid-January 2025 |
| Koni De Winter | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Thibaut Courtois | Muscle injury | Potentially doubtful |
| Thomas Meunier | Groin injury | Late November 2024 |
| Charles De Ketelaere | Hamstring injury | Early December 2024 |
| Toby Alderweireld | Rib injury | A few days |
| Joaquin Seys | Calf injury | Early December 2024 |
Belgium has no current suspensions to deal with.
The absence of key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois, combined with the recent injury list, places extra pressure on the squad. Romelu Lukaku’s return is a ray of hope, but the team’s depth will be tested against Italy.
Belgium Tactics and Formation
Belgium Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Romelu Lukaku
- Midfield Trio: Orel Mangala, Amadou Onana, Leandro Trossard
- Wingers: Johan Bakayoko (Right), Maxim De Cuyper (Left)
- Full-Backs: Timothy Castagne (Right), Zeno Debast (Left)
Belgium’s current strategy under coach Domenico Tedesco centers around a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing a defensive midfield pairing in Mangala and Onana to provide stability. Trossard takes the pivotal role of the attacking midfielder, while Lukaku leads the attack, supported by wingers Bakayoko and De Cuyper. Given their need for a win, there will likely be a focus on high pressing and maximizing Lukaku’s physical presence up front to disrupt Italy’s defense. The full-backs, Castagne and Debast, will be crucial in both defense and supporting wide attacks.
Italy Team Analysis
Italy Recent Performance WDWWL
Italy has been in form lately, showcasing their prowess both at home and away. They have an impressive record in their last five matches with 3 victories, 1 draw, and just 1 loss, placing them at the top of their group. Their recent performances reflect a solid attacking strategy, scoring an average of 2.20 goals per game. However, they have yet to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches, indicating some vulnerabilities in defense.
- Average Goals Scored: 2.20
- Clean Sheets in Last 5 Games: 0
Italy Last 5 Results
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Israel | 4-1 (Win) |
| Italy | Belgium | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Israel | Italy | 1-2 (Win) |
| France | Italy | 1-3 (Win) |
| Switzerland | Italy | 2-0 (Loss) |
Overall, with players like Davide Frattesi leading the scoring chart and consistent performances, Italy looks set to challenge Belgium once again.
Italy Key Players
Italy’s lineup is brimming with talent and tactical prowess, making them formidable opponents. Key players to watch in this match:
- Davide Frattesi: With 3 goals, Frattesi is Italy’s top scorer in the competition and a constant threat in midfield.
- Mateo Retegui: Leading the frontline, Retegui’s sharp finishing and positioning can trouble Belgium’s defense.
- Nicolò Barella: His creativity and vision in the attacking midfielder role will be crucial for breaking down Belgium’s defenses.
Expected lineup for Italy:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, Alessandro Bastoni
- Midfielders: Andrea Cambiaso, Davide Frattesi, Nicolò Rovella, Sandro Tonali, Federico Dimarco, Nicolò Barella
- Forward: Mateo Retegui
Look out for the battle between Belgium’s winger Jeremy Doku and Italy’s sturdy defense, especially Alessandro Bastoni. This will be a key duel in determining the game’s outcome.
Italy Suspensions & Injuries
Italy will head into this UEFA Nations League A clash missing several key players due to injuries. While no suspensions plague the squad, the absence of these injured players could impact their strategies and overall performance. Here’s a rundown of Italy’s injury concerns:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Giorgio Scalvini | Cruciate ligament injury | Early February 2025 |
| Gianluca Scamacca | Cruciate ligament injury | Late April 2025 |
| Alessandro Florenzi | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid April 2025 |
| Federico Chiesa | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Riccardo Calafiori | Knee injury | Late November 2024 |
| Matteo Gabbia | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Ciro Immobile | Thigh injury | Late November 2024 |
| Samuele Ricci | Muscle injury | Late November 2024 |
| Lorenzo Pellegrini | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Nicolò Zaniolo | Groin injury | Late November 2024 |
The significant injuries to key players like Scamacca and Chiesa might hinder Italy’s attack, potentially giving Belgium an edge in the match. Nonetheless, Italy’s squad depth and their tactical acumen ensure they remain a formidable opponent.
Italy Tactics and Formation
Italy’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: Italy is expected to set up in a 3-5-1-1 formation, which has been their go-to system in recent matches.
- Key Forward: Mateo Retegui will lead the line for Italy. His movements and sharp finishing will be crucial to unlocking Belgium’s defense.
- Midfield Key Players: The midfield will be orchestrated by Davide Frattesi and Sandro Tonali, with Nicolo Barella playing just ahead of them as the attacking midfielder. Their roles are pivotal in maintaining control and transitioning play smoothly from defense to attack.
- Defensive Setup: Italy’s back three, comprising Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Alessandro Buongiorno, and Alessandro Bastoni, will anchor the defense. The wing-backs, Andrea Cambiaso and Federico Dimarco, will provide both defensive support and attacking width.
- Notable Strategy: Italy is known for their organized play and consistent attacking strategy, which is particularly effective during the 61-75 minute interval, where they have scored most of their goals this season. Their ability to score first in 75% of their matches highlights their proactive approach.
Belgium vs Italy Head-to-Head Statistics
Belgium and Italy have faced each other several times in recent history, with Italy having a dominant edge. Here’s a recap of their last five encounters:
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | Belgium | 2-2 |
| Italy | Belgium | 2-1 |
| Belgium | Italy | 1-2 |
| Belgium | Italy | 0-2 |
| Belgium | Italy | 3-1 |
Italy’s consistent performance against Belgium demonstrates their tactical superiority. Matches have typically featured close scores, underscoring the competitive nature of this rivalry.
Venue and Weather
The match will take place at the iconic Koning Boudewijnstadion in Brussels, Belgium. This stadium boasts a capacity of around 50,000, creating an electrifying atmosphere, especially when the home crowd fills the stands.
Weather Forecast for Match Day
On the night of November 15, 2024, conditions are expected to be overcast with clouds. The temperature will hover around a chilly 7°C, with high humidity at 91% and minimal wind speeds of 1 m/s.
Impact on Play
- Ball Control: The high humidity and cold temperature will create a damp atmosphere, affecting the ball’s speed and players’ grip.
- Stamina: Overcast clouds mean players won’t have the sun’s radiance to contend with, which could help maintain their stamina.
Given these conditions, both teams might adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on possession and control rather than speed and long passes.
