Belgium vs Italy LIVE - Confirmed starting lineups & pre-match updates for UEFA Nations League 2026-27 clash
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Beneath the low, rain-heavy skies of the Belgian capital, the Stade Roi Baudouin in Brussels gears up to host Matchweek 6 of the UEFA Nations League A. Home team Belgium and four-time world champions Italy lock horns in what is set to be a thrilling clash.
Talking about the Red Devils, a win in the next game is mandatory to advance to the championship stage of the competition. They are coming off a 2-1 win over Turkiye in the last game after Kevin De Bruyne and De Ketelaere found their name in the scoresheet.
Given the current standings in Group 1, Belgium’s worst finish can be third, meaning they cannot be directly relegated. Even a draw won’t help them to qualify as they are behind France in the head-to-head. They have a new gaffer in the form of Mark van Bommel, and he would be keen to get the better of Italy.
Italy are enjoying the time of their lives as they are in pole position to qualify for the quarterfinals. They are unbeaten in the last four games. However, their solitary defeat in the group stages came against the very opponent they are about to face next, after Belgium won 2-0 in the reverse fixture in Rome.
Former Manchester City and Inter gaffer Roberto Mancini has done a pretty amazing job so far. Italy are coming off a 3-1 win in the last game against France. To qualify for the next stage, even a draw would suffice for the four-time world champions, but a win is mandatory to finish as group winners.
Players to Watch
Timothy Castagne (Belgium)
The Fulham fullback started every single game for the Red Devils in the Nations League so far and has played over 450 minutes. Italy often make attacking runs from their left flank, using the acceleration of Riccardo Calafiori and Nicolo Cambiaghi.
His positional awareness and stamina are exceptional to track overlapping runs without leaving any spaces behind. A win is mandatory for Belgium to leapfrog Italy. Castagne’s accelerated runs will be crucial to set up Kevin De Bruyne and Charles De Ketelaere upfront.
Sandro Tonali (Italy)
Tonali stands as a commanding presence in the heart of Italy’s midfield. The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has played all five games for Italy in the Nations League. Belgium rely heavily on Kevin De Bruyne’s creativity and Tielemans’ composure in the middle.
Tonali’s physicality and pressing intensity will be vital in disrupting their rhythm and supply lines to Doku. His positional discipline and ability to slow down the tempo will be crucial to close down narrow leads, as a draw is enough for Italy to qualify.
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