By Italy and Belgium are set to clash in a high-stakes UEFA Nations League encounter at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on Thursday evening. The match pits Group A2 leaders Italy against a Belgian side looking to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Italy, under new manager Luciano Spalletti, has made an impressive start to their Nations League campaign, securing maximum points from their first two matches. The Azzurri stunned France with a 3-1 victory in Paris before defeating Israel, establishing themselves as early frontrunners in the group.
Spalletti’s squad reflects his focus on rejuvenating the national team, with five uncapped players receiving call-ups, including Daniel Maldini, son of Italian legend Paolo Maldini. However, Italy will be without Federico Chiesa due to fitness concerns, while Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini are sidelined with long-term injuries.
The Italian attack is likely to feature Giacomo Raspadori partnering Mateo Retegui in Spalletti’s preferred 3-5-2 formation. Midfielder Nicolo Barella returns to the squad after missing September’s fixtures due to sinus surgery.
Belgium, meanwhile, arrives in Rome facing internal turmoil. Manager Domenico Tedesco, born in Calabria but raised in Germany, must navigate the absence of key players as he returns to his birthplace. Star striker Romelu Lukaku has taken a national team sabbatical until 2025, while injured captain Kevin De Bruyne and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are unavailable.
The Red Devils are still reeling from a 2-0 defeat to France in September, which prompted harsh criticism from De Bruyne about the team’s fighting spirit. Tedesco’s man-management skills have come under scrutiny as he attempts to balance established stars with emerging talents.
In Lukaku’s absence, Lois Openda is expected to lead the Belgian attack, supported by Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, who returns to the squad after being omitted in September. Tedesco has also called up Italy-based players Charles De Ketelaere and Samuel Mbangula, with the latter having recently made his Serie A debut for Juventus.
This match carries significant implications for both teams’ Nations League campaigns. Italy aims to solidify their position atop Group A2 and take a step closer to qualifying for the new quarter-final stage. For Belgium, a positive result is crucial to revive their campaign and ease pressure on Tedesco’s leadership.
As the teams prepare to face off in the historic Stadio Olimpico, all eyes will be on how Italy’s revamped squad performs against a Belgian side in transition, setting the stage for a compelling UEFA Nations League encounter.
