Matchday 5 of the Nations League features a Group A2 clash between Belgium and Italy.
The sides shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture, but Belgium will need all three points if they want to catch France or Italy in the two places above them in the table.
However, if they do not, that will end their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals, so it’s certainly all to play for.
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Belgium vs Italy Preview
All the pressure is on the shoulders of the Belgium players going into this crucial fixture, with anything less than a win ending their chances of advancing to the next stage.
This potential failure will continue the downward trajectory of the Belgium team in recent times as they look to refresh the squad following the retirement of key pieces of their so-called ‘Golden Generation’. Though they still retain the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, the losses of Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Eden Hazard, and, most recently Thibaut Courtois, have caused a restructuring of the squad that has been difficult to manage.
Head coach Domenico Tedesco was appointed in 2023, and oversaw an ultimately disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, where a section of Belgium fans booed their players after the game against Ukraine, giving a clear indication that they were not happy with what they were seeing. This Nations League campaign was supposed to be an opportunity to restart and build something new, but their situation was not helped by a tough draw that saw them placed alongside 2022 World Cup finalists France and Euro 2020 winners Italy.
With that being said, all is not lost quite yet, but they will need wins against Italy and Israel in their remaining two fixtures, as well as other results to go their way, in order to qualify.
Their opponents Italy are in a much healthier position, topping the group undefeated with 10 points. Though this upturn in form may have caught many by surprise after they underwhelmed at Euro 2024 as defending champions, being outplayed by Switzerland in their Round of 16 tie that they eventually lost 2-0.
Similarly to Tedesco, many had questions over Luciano Spalletti’s position after the manner of European Championship exit, but the Italian federation’s belief in the former Napoli manager has proven worthwhile based on their Nations League performance so far, with only one more point needed to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
When these sides met earlier this year, Italy opened the scoring in the first minute through Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso, before Mateo Retegui doubled their lead before the half hour mark. Things were very comfortable for Italy before Lorenzo Pellegrini was given his marching orders in the 38th minute, giving Belgium a way back into the game as they found a goal back before half-time through Maxim De Cuyper.
It was just past the hour mark before Leandro Trossard grabbed the equaliser to keep Belgium qualification hopes hanging on a string, but they’ll definitely be frustrated with not being able to get the win against 10-man Italy. So, with the reverse fixture back in Belgium, the home fans will need to offer their full support if the Red Devils are to pull off an unlikely recovery act.
Belgium vs Italy Odds
*Odds subject to change
Being the home side, Belgium are slight favourites at 2.50, while an Italy win is at 2.95. The draw has been priced at 3.35.
Belgium vs Italy Betting Tips
Both Teams to Score No Draw – Yes @ 2.60
After a 2-2 the last time these two met, we think both teams are likely to score at least once again.
Team to Win from Behind – Belgium @ 12.00
Belgium’s precarious position means that, should they go behind, they’ll need to throw everything at getting a winner.
Half with Most Goals – 2nd Half @ 2.05
In keeping with the theme that Belgium will be desperate as they scrap for their Nations League lives, they could well be throwing the proverbial kitchen sink at Italy, while also leaving gaps in defence for counter-attacks.
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