Belgium faces Italy in the Nations League on October 10th, 2024, with both teams desperate for points to advance. Italy seeks its third straight win in Group 2, while Belgium struggles to recover from recent inconsistent performances.

Italy’s Recent Form and Strategy

Italy’s resurgence under Luciano Spalletti has been nothing short of remarkable. The Azzurri have shown clear improvement since their Euro 2024 disappointment. A statement of intent was delivered with that comprehensive 3-1 win over France in Paris, followed by a solid victory against Israel. Federico Dimarco’s stunning equalizer along with support from Frattesi and Raspadori have been vital in rebuilding confidence within the squad.

The integration by Spalletti of fresh younger talents, Niccolò Pisilli and Daniel Maldini, among others, has injected new energies into the team. Italy plays with a brand-new 3-5-2 formation and is perfectly positioned to dominate Belgium, especially at the iconic Stadio Olimpico.

Belgium’s Struggles and Squad Changes

Belgium stand at a crossroads. The Red Devils have failed to find consistency under coach Domenico Tedesco ever since his appointment; their performance against France was exceptionally abysmal. With De Bruyne sidelined, Tedesco introduced new faces like Lois Openda and Samuel Mbangula.

Belgium’s fragile defense in their 2-0 loss to France needs to improve if they hope to challenge Italy.

Italy vs Belgium: Predicted Lineups

Italy Predicted XI: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui.

Belgium Predicted XI: Casteels; Castagne, Faes, Debast, Theate; Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, Trossard, Doku; Openda

Key Stats and Insights

• Italy have won the last three matches against Belgium, with an aggregate score of 6-2.
• Belgium have won just twice in their last six competitive matches all competitions.
• In four of the last five matches, four games saw both teams score, suggesting a possibility of an open game.

Betting Odds and Opportunities

To the bettors, Italy is the favorite at 1.84 for a home victory in StarBet, but it should not be written off as they take on Belgium, whom are considered at an underdog status of 3.70, especially with the latter’s offense.

The match provides exciting opportunities for betting, with a Both Teams to Score bet having been hit in four of the last five meetings between the two sides.

Italy vs Belgium: Final Prediction

While Italy is a team at the crest of a wave, Belgium is still in search of stability while finding their feet. Spalletti’s men should boss the midfield and exploit the defensive lapses of Belgium, but that attacking firepower of the latter might just see them find the net.

Predicted Score: Italy-Belgium 2:1